Wind could gust up to 80km/h in Ottawa; temperatures set to drop

It is expected to be windy in the nation’s capital on Monday, with Environment Canada calling for gusts up to 80 km/h.

According to the weather agency, it is supposed to be mainly cloudy with a wind chill of -11 C by this afternoon. Wind is set to increase in strength over the day with possible gusts between 70 km/h to 80 km/h, and dying down by later tonight.

A bit of snow will fall on Ottawa over the day, with totals around 2 to 4 centimetres. More flurries could be on the way as temperatures are set to drop low again.

“In addition, a strong cold front will move through the region tonight,” Environment Canada notes on Jan. 27. “This front may be associated with bursts of heavy snow and blowing snow giving significantly reduced visibility.”

The forecast shows overnight on Monday it will be -25 C, dropping further on Tuesday morning to -27 C. Despite the mix of sun and cloud over the day, it will only get to -18 C by the Tuesday afternoon including the wind chill.

This comes as the Rideau Canal starts its third week in operation. The National Capital Commission also notes it has completed a walking track along the edges of the skateway to help keep dirt, salt off the ice and to help traffic flow.