Ottawa's March Goes Out With a Whimper — and a Lot of Rain
Ottawa is wrapping up March the way the month started: grey skies, chilly air, and a steady drizzle that makes you question whether you ever put your winter coat away too soon. As the calendar flips toward April, the capital is in for a cool, wet final stretch before spring gets its act together.
According to CTV News Ottawa, the city is experiencing a rainy and noticeably cool end to the month — a familiar feeling for anyone who's lived through an Ottawa spring. While the snow may be mostly gone, don't let that fool you. Temperatures are staying well below what you'd hope for late March, and umbrella-worthy rain is in the forecast for the days ahead.
What the Weather Looks Like
Expect overcast skies and on-and-off rain through the remainder of the week. Daytime highs are hovering in the mid-single digits Celsius — cool enough that a light jacket isn't going to cut it. Wind chills are making it feel even colder in the early mornings and evenings, so layer up if you're heading out.
This kind of soggy, cool late-March weather isn't unusual for Ottawa, even if it doesn't make it any more enjoyable. The region sits in a climate zone where winter doesn't give up easily, and spring has a habit of arriving in fits and starts rather than all at once.
Silver Linings (Sort Of)
On the bright side, the rain is helping clear out any remaining snow and ice from the city's sidewalks and pathways. The Rideau Canal Skateway is long closed for the season, but the soggy ground is a sign that the NCC's pathway network will be thawing out soon — and cycling season isn't too far off.
Gardeners in the Ottawa Valley will appreciate the moisture, even if the timing isn't ideal for anyone hoping to get outside. The rain is good news for lawns and green spaces across the city that are just starting to wake up after a long winter.
Looking Ahead to April
The short-term forecast isn't the most inspiring, but there's reason for optimism once we turn the page to April. Historically, Ottawa sees temperatures climb into the double digits by mid-month, and the stretch from late April into May is when the city really starts to come alive — patios open, the tulips start pushing up in Commissioners Park, and the days get noticeably longer.
For now, though, residents are advised to keep the rain gear handy and hold off on packing away the warmer layers just yet. Ottawa's spring is a slow burn, and March is going out exactly the way it came in: with more patience required.
Source: CTV News Ottawa
