Wind expected to whip snow across roadways in Ottawa
Posted Jan 22, 2026 01:08:10 PM.
Last Updated Jan 22, 2026 01:08:14 PM.
Bands of heavy snow are set to impact Thursday afternoon in the nation’s capital, as the wind picks up.
Environment Canada believes that significantly reduced visibility is possible while 5 centimetres of snow falls. Wind whipping the accumulation will also play a factor in the quickly deteriorating travel conditions, the agency warns.
There is a risk of snow squalls are the wind gusts up to 30 km/h in the afternoon. Blowing snow is expected as the wind picks up to 50 km/h.
Temperatures are dropping rapidly over Thursday, the forecast shows. By Thursday evening, it’ll feel like -22 with the wind chill.
CityNews meteorologists warn a dangerous surge of Arctic air will settle over most of eastern Ontario from Friday evening through the weekend.
Wind chills could plunge into the -30s, creating conditions where frostbite on exposed skin may occur within 10 to 30 minutes.
The forecast from Environment Canada is showing temperatures near -29 by Saturday night.
