The first snowfall warning of the 2025 season has officially arrived for Canada's capital region, marking an abrupt return to winter conditions.
Winter Arrives Early in the Capital
Environment Canada has issued its inaugural snowfall warning for the Ottawa region, forecasting a significant winter weather event beginning Sunday, November 9, 2025. The weather office indicates snow and possible ice pellets, accompanied by brisk winds, are expected throughout the day.
The winter spectacle begins with a 30-percent chance of flurries starting Sunday morning, but the main event is scheduled to intensify around noon. Environment Canada predicts approximately five centimetres of accumulation during the daytime hours.
Deteriorating Evening Conditions
Conditions are expected to worsen significantly as Sunday evening approaches. The weather office forecasts more snow mixed with ice pellets, contributing to a total snowfall accumulation of five to 10 centimetres throughout the entire event.
Winds will play a significant factor in the deteriorating conditions. During the morning, northeast winds of approximately 20 km/h gusting to 40 km/h are expected. The evening will bring northern winds of similar intensity, continuing to gust up to 40 km/h at times.
Bundle Up Against Bitter Wind Chill
While temperatures might seem comparatively reasonable with a daytime high of -1°C and evening low of -3°C, the wind chill effect will create much more severe conditions. The combination of wind and cold will make it feel like -8°C during the day and a bitter -9°C in the evening.
The winter weather pattern shows no signs of immediate departure. Monday brings a 40-percent chance of flurries with a high temperature near zero. The morning wind chill is expected to persist at -9°C before conditions gradually improve throughout the day.
Environment Canada advises residents to take necessary precautions, dress in layers, and prepare for potentially hazardous travel conditions as the first significant winter weather system of the season settles over the National Capital Region.
