Ottawa breaks nearly 60-year-old weather record

Temperatures are set to hit the double-digits again after a record-breaking start to the week in Ottawa.

According to Environment Canada, Monday’s temperature hit 11.9 C, beating the record high 10 C set in 1965.

The national weather service says Tuesday will also see temperatures break a 60-year-old record as the forecasted high is 16 C.

The highest temperature on record for Ottawa on March 5 is 10.6 C.

While not record-breaking, temperatures Wednesday will still be unseasonably warm around 5 C, compared to the average of -0.4 C this time of year. 

This comes shortly after a dramatic flash freeze in the region last week, which saw winter weather warnings across the province.

This winter has so far been much warmer than usual, forcing multiple closures of the Rideau Canal Skateway, which was only open for 10 days this season.

Temperatures have also caused ice over the Ottawa River and to be fragile, leading to multiple accidents and the tragic death of two teens late last year.

Ottawa Fire Services (OFS) has released tips on how to survive falling through ice.