Bitter wind chills, temperatures around -20 C expected next week

After a few days of normal winter temperatures for the nation’s capital, frigid arctic air is headed Ottawa’s way by late this weekend.

According to Environment Canada’s forecast, temperatures are supposed to hover around 1 C on Saturday. About 2 to 4 centimetres of snow can be expected.

But by Sunday an airmass is set to bring bitterly cold winds dropping the temperature to a low of -20 C, persisting with -25 C on Monday.

“The winds shift and a cold arctic air starts to plunge south through the lower great lakes and some of the coldest temperatures and most bitter windchill we’ve seen all season is about to move in,” Denise Andreacchi, weather specialist for CityNews, said.

She noted that the polar vortex is expected to keep temperatures “consistently” cold throughout the rest of January. Some of the lowest temperatures are set to hit early next week.

The “bitter windchill” will force things to trend below seasonal, with Andreacchi saying it’s possible Environment Canada could issue weather alerts.

“That’s how cold it’s going to get across the region,” she said.

Although frigid temperatures can be dangerous, especially for people in vulnerable communities, it is good news for canal lovers and winter enthusiasts.

The whole length of the canal is open with the National Capital Commission noting that the cold temperatures are “great” for the skateway.