Deep freeze arrives in the capital
OTTAWA — The city woke up to the coldest morning of the season so far, with the temperature dipping to -24 C Friday, 12 degrees colder than the normal low and just a couple of degrees shy of breaking a 65-year-old record.
It is, indeed, long underwear season.
While winter doesn’t officially start until noon on Monday, Environment Canada senior climatologist David Phillips said it appeared the season had started early in the national capital.
He said Ottawa was experiencing some of the cold Arctic air that hit the Prairies last week, dropping temperatures to as low as -37.
Thursday’s high was just -16 and the forecast for Friday is only slightly warmer, with a high of – 11 C and and overnight low of -21 C.
Although Thursday was cold, it wasn’t not a record breaker for Dec. 17. The mark of -25.6 was set in 1944.
Despite the cold, Phillips said, Ottawa residents can expect storm-free weather over the weekend and into next week, plus an abundance of sunshine.
“Nothing to stop you from shopping or doing party rounds,” he said.
There’s one added bonus, Phillips added: “It’s great, great, great weather for making ice on the Rideau Canal.”
The predicted low for Saturday is -22. For those most affected by cold temperatures, Environment Canada’s forecast predicts milder weather by mid-week, with a high of -6 on Wednesday.
Even so, Phillips said, temperatures will still be several degrees below average for this time of year.
Ottawa’s paramedic services and chief medical officer of health are reminding people to bundle up with several layers when heading outside. Hats, mittens and scarves all help to hold in much-needed body warmth.
As temperatures near -25C, the risks of frostbite and hypothermia are more serious.
The city has said it will issue frostbite warnings to agencies that work with Ottawa’s most vulnerable, including the homeless.
Pets are also in danger from the winter chill, and it could be life-threatening at these temperatures.
“If it’s too cold for you, it’s too cold for your pet,” said Tara Jackson, the Ottawa Humane Society’s communications manager.
The humane society has experienced an increase in calls in recent days about animals left outside without adequate shelter.
Owners are advised to limit exposure to the cold for their pets and to ensure shelter is provided for outdoor animals.
On the web: For tips on staying warm, visit the City of Ottawa’s
cold weather infosite, ottawa.ca/residents/health/environments/issues/cold/index_en.html
