Ottawa is in for another soggy stretch before the sun makes its comeback. According to the latest CTV News forecast, the capital region can expect more showers today, with drier and brighter conditions finally rolling in by Friday.
What To Expect Today
If you're heading out in Ottawa this morning, don't leave the rain jacket at home. Showers are moving through the region, adding to what's already felt like a stretch of unpredictable weather across the city. Whether you're commuting downtown, walking along the Rideau Canal, or running errands in the Byward Market, expect damp conditions to linger through the day.
This kind of pattern isn't unusual for the National Capital Region, where systems tend to move through in waves — a burst of rain followed by a temporary clearing, then another round before things settle. For now, Ottawans are being told to plan around the wet weather rather than wait it out, since the shift to sunnier skies isn't expected until later in the week.
Sunshine On The Way By Friday
The good news for anyone tired of grey skies: forecasters are calling for a return to sunshine by Friday. That's welcome news for Ottawa's outdoor scene, from patio-goers downtown to families planning weekend trips to spots like Mooney's Bay or the Ottawa River pathways. A dry, sunny start to the weekend also bodes well for any local markets, festivals, or outdoor events on the calendar that depend on clear conditions to draw a crowd.
Why This Matters For Ottawa
Ottawa's weather has a real ripple effect across the city. Rain days can mean quieter patios, road spray slowing down LRT and bus commutes, and more cautious driving on routes like the Queensway. On the flip side, a sunny Friday tends to bring people out in force — busier bike paths, packed farmers' markets, and a noticeable uptick in foot traffic in neighbourhoods like the Glebe and Westboro.
For anyone with outdoor plans this week — construction crews, event organizers, or just weekend hikers eyeing Gatineau Park across the river — the shift from showers to sunshine by Friday is worth building into your schedule now.
The Bottom Line
Expect a wetter day today across Ottawa, with conditions gradually improving as the week wraps up. By Friday, residents should see the clouds part and sunshine return, offering a much-needed break after a run of unsettled weather.
Source: CTV News
