‘Significant’ snow dump to follow extremely cold weekend in Ottawa and Valley

Environment Canada is issuing an extreme cold warning for Ottawa and the Valley before what's expected to be a big snowfall comes in to start next week.

The temperature is forecast to plummet throughout the day on Friday, January 14, with the local wind chill nearing -35 degrees Celsius (C) by the evening.

The weather agency says the temperature should fall even further overnight. Wind chill values are expected to reach -40 C into early Saturday morning.

Environment Canada thinks the temperature should moderate somewhat on Saturday afternoon, as winds ease, but extreme cold wind chill values of -35 C may return for some areas Saturday night into Sunday morning.

The agency is asking residents to watch for cold related symptoms: shortness of breath, chest pain, muscle pain and weakness, numbness and colour change in fingers and toes. Dressing in layers that can be removed and making the outer layer wind resistant are also good ideas.

The City of Ottawa is also issuing a frostbite warning for this weekend.

To get assistance for someone who is homeless, concerned citizens are encouraged to call 311. Calls are answered by the City of Ottawa Call Centre on a priority basis and referrals are made to the appropriate services. Call 2-1-1 anytime to find out how to access social service assistance and information, hours and location of local Out of the Cold programs.

The good news for the weekend is that, despite the cold, the sun should be shining.

Monday is when that changes, however. Environment Canada is calling for snow. 

Falling temperatures this Friday morning for #Ottawa TheValley #SmithsFalls
Plenty of sunshine today and especially for the weekend but be prepared for significant snow Monday ☃️ ❄️ @CityNewsOttawa @CNOttawaTraffic

— Jill Taylor (@JillTaylorCity) January 14, 2022

The Weather Network is calling for more than 20 centimetres. Tuesday and Wednesday could also see small amounts of fresh snow.