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Up to 15 cm of snow in the forecast for Ottawa right before Christmas

The Rideau Canal in Ottawa on Dec. 1, 2024. (Scott Rook/CTV News Ottawa) The Rideau Canal in Ottawa on Dec. 1, 2024. (Scott Rook/CTV News Ottawa)
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A winter weather travel advisory is in effect in Ottawa, calling for up to 15 centimetres of snow right before Christmas.

A white Christmas is all but guaranteed with accumulation of between 10 and 15 cm Monday into Tuesday. Environment Canada defines a "white Christmas" as having at least 2 cm of snow on the ground at 7 a.m. Christmas Day.

The forecast calls for snow advancing into eastern Ontario this afternoon, becoming heavy at times this evening through tonight. The snow will taper off to flurries late tonight with a risk of freezing drizzle.

"Motorists should expect hazardous winter driving conditions and adjust travel plans accordingly. Surfaces such as highways, roads, walkways and parking lots may become difficult to navigate due to accumulating snow. Visibility may be suddenly reduced at times in heavy snow," Environment Canada warns.

The forecast high for Ottawa is -10 C with a wind chill around -19. Overnight, expect the temperature to stay steady around -10 C with a wind chill around -15.

Tuesday's forecast is mainly cloudy with a chance of flurries and a risk of freezing drizzle in the morning. The afternoon high is -7 C.

Christmas Day is looking sunny with a high of -6 C.

Snowfall warnings

Snowfall warnings are in effect for parts of eastern Ontario, including the Brockville area.

In those regions, Environment Canada is warning of up to 20 cm of snow by Tuesday morning, potentially hampering pre-Christmas travel along Highway 401.

"There is still some uncertainty with where the heaviest snow sets up but most regions are expected to see near 15 centimetres with locally up to 20 centimetres possible," the warning says.

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