Snow in the forecast this weekend for Ottawa
Posted Feb 19, 2026 01:50:32 PM.
Last Updated Feb 19, 2026 04:07:44 PM.
Cold temperatures returned to the nation’s capital, allowing the Rideau Canal Skateway to reopen after a brief pause, and will bring snow to the city.
A wind chill on Tuesday night allowed National Capital Commission (NCC) crews to sweep and flood Canada’s largest skating rink after it closed earlier this week to help preserve the ice. The canal reopened after a one-day pause.
As of Thursday, temperatures are hovering around 0 C but the wind chill makes it feel more like -10 C. According to the NCC, conditions on the skateway range from good to very good.
“The maintenance team stuck the landing,” the NCC said in a post. “Thanks to their work, skating and walking are back in action.”
The Environment Canada forecast expects periods of snow beginning in the nation’s capital on Friday.
CityNews meteorologist Allistar Aalders expects it to accumulate to around 10 centimetres by the time the system passes.
The wind chill should feel like -9. The flurries will continue overnight into the weekend, with the weather agency noting there is a chance of snow periods both Saturday and Sunday.
The temperature high on Saturday is -5 C and on Sunday it’ll be around -2 C.
