Winter travel advisory in effect for Ottawa

A person holding an umbrella walks across the street on a rainy day in Ottawa. March 5, 2025. (CTV News Ottawa)

Environment Canada says a winter travel advisory is in effect for Ottawa Thursday evening, as the capital is expected to receive an amount of 2 to 4 centimetres of snow.

Falling snow is expected to cause reduced visibility, says the weather agency, while asking drivers to “expect hazardous winter driving conditions and adjust travel plans accordingly.”

The Ottawa Police Service also asked drivers to be careful on the roads.

“The weather conditions have quickly changed in Ottawa,” police said on X.

The capital dealt with a misty day before colder temperatures set in, leaving a layer of ice on many surfaces.

A flash freeze warning was in effect for the capital during the day. Environment Canada says temperatures are forecast to fall rapidly and ponding water, slush, and any falling precipitation will freeze as the temperature drops below zero.

“Surfaces such as highways, roads, walkways and parking lots will become icy, slippery and hazardous,” the warning flash freeze stated. “Take extra care when walking or driving in affected areas. Be prepared to adjust your driving with changing road conditions.”

The forecast calls for a few rain showers or drizzle, changing to periods of snow in the afternoon. The temperature should remain steady around 2 C through the morning before falling to around -1 C in the afternoon.

Periods of snow are forecast to end near midnight, followed by a 30 per cent chance of flurries. Amount 2 to 4 cm. The low is -8 C with a wind chill of -17.

Friday’s forecast is partly sunny with a 30 per cent chance of flurries late in the afternoon. High 0 C, with a wind chill of -14 in the morning.

Saturday is looking cloudy with a high of -3 C and a 30 per cent chance of flurries.

Sunday’s forecast is cloudy with a high of 0 C.