Deep freeze hits Ottawa on first day of winter

Saturday marks the first day of winter and the nation’s capital has hit a deep freeze, with temperatures feeling like minus 24 with the windchill.

“We're going to see some cool temperatures. In fact, this is air that was on the prairies that brought a lot of cold air,” said David Phillips, senior climatologist with Environment Canada.”

"It really began in the Arctic and moved down south.”

Phillips says the next few days will be the coldest of the season, which is also good for the future of the Rideau Canal, that currently has no confirmed opening date.

“This is good ice-growing weather. (people must feel thrilled) in regards to the Rideau Canal because this is something they didn't see at all last year,” said Phillips.

The skateway was only open for ten skating days for the 2023-2024 season and didn't open at all the year prior.  

It’s also likely to be a white Christmas with the snow staying over the next few days.

There’s no official warnings or alert in place, but officials say you should bundle up and wear layers to avoid the risk of frost bite.

Ottawa Public Health recommends wearing larger sized mittens over gloves, wearing a hat and a neck warmer as well as waterproof winter boots with room for an extra layer of socks. Officials say you should avoid alcohol if you are spending a lot of time outside because it can give you a false sense of warming up, which increases the risk of hypothermia.

There are overnight shelters and warming spaces available within the City of Ottawa for those who require assistance.

If you need help, you can call 211 for information about drop-in centres and winter clothing as well as 3-1-1 to get referred to an available shelter.

Environment Canada calls for a high of -11 C on Saturday and mainly sunny skies. More clear skies and a low of -20 C are in the forecast for tonight.

Sunday will be sunny with a high of -15 C. Clear skies and a low of -21 C are expected overnight.