A record-breaking day of heat Friday comes as the east coast braces for a potentially once-in-a-generation storm, with Ottawa feeling some of its effects.
With a high temperature topping 22 C, Ottawa was feeling more like early June than late October.
“There’s something about a sunny day, you want to be outside, you want to be eating something cold,” said one woman enjoying some ice cream.
“I think this is awesome at this time of the year, to be able to enjoy sitting outside with no bugs and a beautiful day right before November,” said Jim Smith.
The average high in Ottawa is around 8 C, certainly not ideal beach weather – yet there some people were on Friday.
“We were thinking of going to the mall and just walking around there, but we said ‘Nah, let’s go outside and spend some time on the beach,’” said Karla Briones.
“It’s so invigorating, so lovely,” said John Larsen. “I was thinking of going in for a swim actually.”
As lovely as Friday was, the following few days are likely going to be just as miserable.
‘Frankenstorm’ will likely soak region starting Monday
Temperatures are expected to drop into the single digits for our region through the weekend, with rain forecasted through Thursday for Ottawa.
That includes Monday evening, when Environment Canada says the remnants of Hurricane Sandy are expected to bring significant wind and rain to the region.
Sandy, which has killed at least 30 people in the Caribbean, is currently spinning towards Florida and could impact the northeastern United States from Sunday to Wednesday.
What’s really got meteorologists concerned is the possibility that Sandy will combine with a strong winter storm, creating a once-in-a-generation “Frankenstorm” blend of a hurricane and nor’easter.
Environment Canada says that storm could bring the first measurable snowfall of the season to Ontario, particularly in south-central and northeast Ontario.
With a report from CTV Ottawa’s Katie Griffin
