Intense cold in Ottawa and the valley expected to last until end of January
Those in Ottawa and the valley can expect the intense cold that has lingered over the region for much of January to continue until the end of the month, according to Environment Canada.
"We had no days below -20 prior to the first of January," says David Phillips, senior climatologist at Environment Canada. "And this month, we've had nine days where the temperature has fallen below -20."
Phillips says compared to all of last winter, the national capital region only saw five days total where the temperature dropped below -20C.
"We've had seven days already colder than the coldest moment of all of last winter," adds Phillips.
Between the intense cold that has frozen that region and this week's duping of snow, it feels as though the majority of winter has been packed into the last few weeks.
For Braydon Barr, who was setting up his ice fishing shelter on the Ottawa River Friday, this is the weather he's been waiting for.
"I actually don't find it that bad," says the 25-year-old Arnprior resident. "It was colder the last few Saturdays. It was like -30 the one morning we left."
Barr says the ice is in perfect condition, 12 to 13 inches thick where he set up camp, and planned to ice fish all afternoon Friday.
"Oh yeah, I don't mind being out in it, that's for sure," says Barr. "I actually prefer this over the warm summer to tell you the truth. Because I can dress for this but I can't dress for the summer."
In Renfrew, the recently opened skating oval at Ma-Te-Way Park was open, but only a couple skaters could be found braving the cold Friday afternoon.
"My mark is sort of maximum cold -12," says John Cooke, who turned out for a couple laps. "I might if I'm feeling brave go below that."
Cooke tells CTV News Ottawa he just purchased a new pair of skates for the first time in 20 years, and was eager to test them out.
"Well it's a beautiful day," remarked the Renfrew resident. "It's a little cold probably, more than -20 I'm sure. I might make a round or two but I probably won't make much more than that."
For those that enjoy the cold Canadian days, you are in luck, as it appears the frigid cold that has settled over the capital region will not be lifting any time soon.
"I think it's going to take another week or so," says Phillips. "I think our forecast for the rest of January is more of the same."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Police investigating shooting outside of Drake's Bridle Path mansion: source
Toronto police are investigating a shooting that took place outside of Drake’s Bridle Path mansion early Tuesday morning, a source tells CP24.
There's actually no such thing as vegetables. Here's why you should eat them anyway
The rumours are true: Vegetables aren't real — that is, in botany, anyway. While the term fruit is recognized botanically as anything that contains a seed or seeds, vegetable is actually a broad umbrella term.
'It looked so legit': Ontario man pays $7,700 for luxury villa found on Booking.com, but the listing was fake
An Ontario man says he paid more than $7,700 for a luxury villa he found on a popular travel website -- but the listing was fake.
The Met Gala was in full bloom with Zendaya, Jennifer Lopez, Mindy Kaling among the standout stars
The Met Gala and its fashionista A-listers on Monday included Jennifer Lopez, Zendaya and a parade of others in a swirl of flora and fauna looks on a green-tinged carpet lined by live foliage.
3 Indian nationals accused of murdering Hardeep Singh Nijjar facing court in B.C.
Three Indian nationals accused of murdering Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar are due to face court Tuesday over the killing that triggered a major diplomatic rift with India.
Israeli forces seize Rafah border crossing in Gaza, putting ceasefire talks on knife's edge
Israeli tanks seized control of Gaza's vital Rafah border crossing on Tuesday as Israel brushed off urgent warnings from close allies and moved into the southern city even as cease-fire negotiations with Hamas remained on a knife's edge.
Canadian cadets rock mullets and place second at U.S. military competition
Sporting mullets, Canadian Armed Forces officer cadets placed second in an annual military skills competition in the U.S.
Highlights from the 2024 Met Gala exhibit: Sleeping Beauty would wake up for these gowns
Sure, she was a royal princess and all. But there’s no way Sleeping Beauty — either before or after her nap — ever had quite the fabulous wardrobe that’s been assembled at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Noelia Voigt resigns as Miss USA, citing her mental health
Noelia Voigt, who was crowned Miss USA in November 2023, has announced she is resigning from her role, saying the decision is in the best interest of her mental health.