Today’s Forecast for Ottawa
Good morning, Ottawa! As of 7:00 AM EDT at the Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport, it’s a warm 14.7°C under mostly cloudy skies. Winds are already lively, coming from the south at 23 km/h and gusting up to 36 km/h, setting the stage for a gusty, active day ahead. The barometric pressure is at 101.2 kPa but falling — a clear sign that a low-pressure system is moving in. Humidity sits at a dry 40%, making it feel fresh now, but that’s about to change.
Today’s forecast brings increasing cloudiness, with a 30% chance of showers this morning building up to a 70% chance of showers or thunderstorms this afternoon. There’s even a risk of a thunderstorm this morning — because Mother Nature seems to love a little drama. Winds will ramp up from the south at 30 km/h, gusting to 50 km/h. The high will soar to a toasty 23°C, feeling more like 27°C with the humidex. The UV index sits at 5 (moderate), so it’s a good day to slap on some sunscreen — between dodging raindrops, that is.
Tonight and Tomorrow: A Sharp Turn to Chilly
Tonight, expect mainly cloudy skies with a 60% chance of showers in the evening and a continued risk of thunderstorms early on. Winds will stay strong, shifting from southwest to northwest at 30 km/h, still gusting up to 50 km/h after midnight. The temperature will take a hard tumble to -2°C, and the wind chill will feel like a frigid -9°C overnight — quite the dramatic exit from today’s almost summer-like warmth!
Wednesday, April 30th, starts off brisk but beautiful. The skies will clear by late morning, and winds from the northwest will ease to light speeds. The day’s high will reach a more seasonable 12°C, with the UV index dropping to a very low 1.
Wednesday night brings cloudy periods with a low near +3°C — a far calmer scene compared to tonight’s wild ride.
Looking Ahead: Showers Settle In
Thursday, May 1st, will stay cloudy with a mild high of 15°C, and showers will arrive Thursday night with a low around 11°C. Friday continues the trend with more showers and a high of 16°C. By Friday night, expect cloudy skies with a 30% chance of lingering showers and a cooler low of 7°C.
Historic Highs and Lows for April 29
A little perspective: Ottawa’s record high for April 29th is a balmy 29.4°C, set way back in 1942! On the flip side, the record low is a frosty -4.4°C, logged in 2002. Today’s high of 23°C puts us comfortably on the warmer side of history — but don’t let it fool you, winter’s ghost is still lurking just out of sight for tonight!
What to Wear?
Today, think summer early and winter late! Lightweight clothing and an umbrella will be your daytime essentials, but don’t stray too far from your heavier jacket and maybe even some gloves for tonight — the temperature plunge will be fierce. It’s one of those “four seasons in a day” kind of forecasts!
Ottawa Weather Trivia
Did you know? Ottawa is the seventh coldest capital city in the world — but you wouldn’t guess that today with highs feeling more like late June! Make the most of it while it lasts, because true to form, the chill is never far behind.
