Ottawa's Friday Forecast: Grab Your Rain Boots and Maybe a Toque
Ottawa is getting a classic spring weather curveball this Friday, with a messy mix of rain and snow expected to move through the region. If you were hoping for a clean, sunny end to the week, the forecast has other plans.
Spring in the capital has a well-known habit of keeping residents guessing — and this Friday is a textbook example. Temperatures hovering near the freezing mark mean precipitation could fall as rain, wet snow, or a sloppy combination of both depending on where you are and what time of day it is.
What to Expect
The mixed precipitation is expected to make for slippery and unpredictable conditions, particularly during the morning and afternoon commute. Sidewalks and untreated surfaces could get slick, so it's worth dusting off those waterproof boots you thought you'd retired for the season.
Visibility may also be reduced at times, especially if snow squalls push through the area. Drivers should allow extra travel time and keep an eye on City of Ottawa road condition updates throughout the day.
Spring Snow Is More Common Than You'd Think
For newcomers to Ottawa, a late-season snowfall in April can feel like a cruel joke — but long-time residents know it's practically a rite of passage. The Ottawa Valley sits in a geographic position that makes it vulnerable to late-spring systems sweeping in from the Great Lakes or the St. Lawrence corridor, and wet, heavy snow events in April are well within the norm.
That said, any accumulation this time of year tends to melt off fairly quickly once temperatures climb through the day or the system passes.
Tips for Getting Through a Messy Friday
- Check OC Transpo alerts before your commute — wet, heavy snow can affect bus schedules on certain routes
- Give yourself extra time whether you're driving, cycling, or walking
- Layer up — that spring jacket may not cut it in the morning hours
- Check the NCC pathway status if you're a recreational cyclist or runner; the riverside paths can get slippery fast
Looking Ahead
If history is any guide, this kind of April weather event is usually short-lived. Once the system clears, temperatures should rebound and we can get back to the tentative warmth that signals spring is actually here. Environment Canada's extended forecast is worth bookmarking for the weekend outlook.
For now, Ottawa — keep the umbrella and the ice scraper within arm's reach. You'll probably need both.
Source: CTV News Ottawa via Google News
