Classic Ottawa: Snow on the Spring Equinox
Ottawa residents woke up to a familiar scene this week, snow in the forecast, right on cue for the first day of spring. Environment Canada is calling for 5 to 10 centimetres of snow to blanket the city on March 20, the spring equinox, reminding everyone that in the capital, winter doesn't take cues from the calendar.
While the rest of the country might be pulling out their spring jackets and dreaming of patio season, Ottawa is getting one last (hopefully) punch from winter before warmer days settle in.
What to Expect
The snowfall is expected to accumulate through the day, with the heavier bands likely hitting during the morning commute hours. Drivers are being advised to leave extra time and adjust their speed for slippery road conditions. The City of Ottawa's road crews are expected to be out in full force, but as always, give the plows plenty of room.
Pedestrians should watch for icy patches on sidewalks, particularly in shaded areas and on older residential streets that may see slower clearing times. Cycling commuters might want to dust off the winter bike, or just take the bus.
Is This Normal?
Short answer: absolutely. Ottawa sits in one of the snowiest major cities in Canada, and late-season snow events in March are practically a local tradition. In fact, some of the city's biggest snowstorms on record have come in March and even April, long after most Canadians have convinced themselves winter is over.
The spring equinox marks the astronomical beginning of spring, the point at which day and night are roughly equal in length, but Ottawa's climate rarely gets the memo. Average daily highs in late March still hover around 4–6°C, and overnight lows regularly dip below freezing, keeping the door open for snow well into the month.
Silver Lining?
If you can find the fun in it, the first day of spring snow is a quintessentially Ottawa experience. Gatineau Park will get a gorgeous top-up if you're still trying to squeeze in a few last cross-country ski sessions. And hey, the snow typically doesn't stick around long this time of year, temperatures are expected to climb back above freezing within a day or two, so the white stuff won't be hanging around for long.
Getting Around
OC Transpo remains the most stress-free option during snowfall events. If you're driving, make sure your vehicle still has winter tires on, the provincial recommendation is to keep them on until temperatures are consistently above 7°C, which in Ottawa likely means April at the earliest.
For the latest road conditions and school bus cancellations, check the City of Ottawa's 511 service and your local school board websites before heading out Thursday morning.
Spring is coming, Ottawa, just maybe not quite yet.
Source: CTV News Ottawa / Environment Canada
