Ottawa residents should brace themselves for another round of winter before spring gets a real foothold. Environment Canada has issued a special weather statement for the capital, warning of up to 12 cm of snow beginning Saturday afternoon, with freezing rain expected to complicate the mix.
What to Expect
The latest statement from Environment Canada paints a familiar picture for Ottawa this time of year: accumulating snow arriving through the afternoon and evening hours on Saturday, transitioning at times to freezing rain. That combination is particularly nasty for road surfaces, sidewalks, and driveways, where a layer of ice beneath fresh snow can catch even the most seasoned winter walker off guard.
Up to 12 cm of snow is forecast before the system clears, though the freezing rain component could reduce accumulations in some areas while leaving a treacherous glaze behind.
Getting Around the City
If you have weekend plans, it's worth checking in with OC Transpo for any service advisories, buses can run late or detour during heavy snowfall events. Drivers should give themselves extra time and keep a safe following distance, especially on the Queensway and secondary roads that take longer to clear. The City of Ottawa's winter maintenance crews will be out in force, but with the volume of precipitation expected, even priority routes may see delays.
For cyclists who have been cautiously venturing back out as temperatures crept up this week. It might be worth leaving the bike at home for Saturday.
Timing It Right
Environment Canada's statement suggests the worst of the conditions will arrive Saturday afternoon and continue into the evening. Sunday may offer some improvement, but it's worth keeping an eye on the forecast as the system develops, these late-season storms can shift quickly in timing and intensity.
If you can stay home or consolidate errands to earlier in the day Saturday, that's probably your safest bet.
Spring Has to Come Eventually
Ottawa's winters have a well-earned reputation for overstaying their welcome, and this weekend's system is a reminder that March can still deliver a proper punch. That said, the calendar and the sun angle are both working in our favour, whatever falls this weekend is unlikely to stick around long once temperatures bounce back early next week.
In the meantime, dust off the snow brush, add some extra time to your commute, and maybe queue up something good to watch if the weather has you grounded at home Saturday evening.
Source: Ottawa Citizen / Environment Canada special weather statement.
