A sharp cold front ushered out the month of November, blanketing Canada's capital in a layer of white and signalling the true start of winter conditions.
A Snowy Send-Off for November
The capital region saw up to 10 centimetres of snow accumulate throughout Sunday, complicating travel and prompting early snow plow operations, as seen in areas like Almonte. The day was characterized by brisk winds, gusting from the south at speeds of up to 40 km/h.
Bitter Cold and Wind Chill Grip the Region
While the temperature hovered near 0°C Sunday morning, the significant wind made it feel dramatically colder. The wind chill created a bone-chilling feel of -9°C. The flurries were expected to taper off around midnight, making way for December with a 40 percent chance of lighter snow.
The deep freeze continues overnight, with the mercury expected to drop to a low of -6°C. The wind chill will make it feel like a frigid -12°C through the night and into the early hours of Monday.
What to Expect for the Start of the Week
Although the winds are forecast to diminish, the cold is not relenting. Monday morning will be particularly harsh, with a biting wind chill of approximately -14°C expected. The afternoon will offer little reprieve, with the wind chill still making it feel like -8°C.
This significant snowfall and plunging wind chill serve as a stark reminder for Ottawa residents to adjust to winter driving habits, bundle up against the cold, and prepare for the season ahead.
