Ottawa residents are in for a soggy, slushy Thursday as a weather system moves through the region, bringing a mix of rain and snow to the capital.
What to Expect
The combination of rain and snow is the classic late-March headache — temperatures hovering right around the freezing mark mean conditions can flip quickly throughout the day. Morning commuters may encounter wet, heavy snow that turns to rain by midday, leaving roads and sidewalks slick and unpredictable.
Environment Canada has flagged the mixed precipitation for the Ottawa area, with the messy weather expected to taper off as the day progresses. Accumulations are not expected to be significant, but the rain-snow mix can create icy patches, particularly on untreated side streets and pedestrian pathways.
Getting Around the City
If you're driving, give yourself extra time and keep your distance from other vehicles — wet snow packs into slush that reduces traction fast. OC Transpo buses may also experience minor delays on surface routes, so checking the OC Transpo app before you leave is a smart move.
Cyclists and pedestrians should watch for pooling water near curbs where storm drains may still be partially blocked from winter debris. The Rideau Canal pathway and other multi-use trails may be particularly slippery in spots.
A Reminder That Winter Isn't Quite Done
It wouldn't be Ottawa in late March without at least one last punch from winter. The city sits in a unique meteorological zone where cold Arctic air and warmer southern systems regularly collide, making these transitional weeks some of the most unpredictable on the weather calendar.
The good news: forecasts point to more seasonal temperatures heading into the weekend, with above-zero highs expected by Friday. Spring is close — this is just Ottawa making you earn it.
Tips for Today
- Wear waterproof footwear — slush soaks through sneakers fast
- Drive with winter caution even if your snow tires are still on
- Check Ottawa road conditions at the City of Ottawa's traffic site before heading out
- Give buses extra time — surface routes may run behind schedule
Stay warm out there, Ottawa. The forecast looks brighter by the weekend.
Source: CTV News Ottawa / Google News Ottawa RSS feed
