A spring storm is expected to bring a heavy dump of snow to the capital overnight.
Environment Canada has issued a snowfall warning with up to 15 centimetres of snow forecasted to fall starting late this evening through Tuesday afternoon.
The capital could see peak snowfall rates of 2 to 5 cm an hour, the national weather forecaster says.
Winds could gust up to 60 km/h on Tuesday morning, further reducing visibility with blowing snow.
“Rapidly accumulating snow will make travel difficult. If visibility is reduced while driving, slow down, watch for tail lights ahead and be prepared to stop,” Environment Canada says.
Parts of the Ottawa Valley could receive higher snowfall accumulation. The snowfall in Renfrew, Pembroke and Petawawa could be between 15 and 25 cm, according to Environment Canada.
A weather advisory is in effect for areas surrounding the city from the east to the west, including Perth, Smiths Falls, Kemptville and Clarence-Rockland. Between 5 to 15 cm of snow could fall in those areas.
The snow is expected to ease by Tuesday afternoon.
Ottawa weather
Ottawa saw a warm spring day on Monday with a high of 9 C at the airport as of 3 p.m.
A 30 per cent chance of rain mixed with snow is expected to begin after sundown, turning to just snow beginning late this evening when the temperature drops below freezing. The low is -5 C.
Tuesday’s forecast calls for snow with local blowing snow in the morning, about 5 cm. High of -3 C. The evening will be cloudy with a 40 per cent chance of flurries.
Wednesday is looking partly sunny with a high of 2 C.
Thursday’s outlook is mainly cloudy with a chance of 40 per cent chance of rain or flurries.
