Honestly, if you've lived in Ottawa for more than a week, you know the drill. One minute you're scraping a thick sheet of ice off your windshield, and the next, you’re wondering if you actually need that heavy parka or if a light shell will do.
The weather forecast in Ottawa is basically a daily roll of the dice. Today, Tuesday, January 13, 2026, is a perfect example of that "wait, what?" energy. We’re sitting at a current temperature of 34°F. That sounds almost tropical for January in the capital, right? But the feels-like temperature is dragging its feet at 27°F.
It’s kind of a mess out there right now. We’ve got light rain falling, a humidity level of 85%, and a south wind blowing at about 9 mph. If you’re looking out the window thinking it looks grey, you’re spot on. It’s cloudy, and it’s staying that way.
The Mid-Week Temperature Cliff
The thing about the weather forecast in Ottawa that trips people up isn't the cold itself—it's the speed of the change.
📖 Related: Creative and Meaningful Will You Be My Maid of Honour Ideas That Actually Feel Personal
Take tomorrow, Wednesday, January 14. We’re looking at a high of 37°F with a mix of rain and snow. Sounds manageable. But then, the floor falls out. By Wednesday night, the low is expected to plummet to 11°F. That is a massive swing. If you leave your car out in that rain-snow mix and don't clear it before the sun goes down, you aren't getting into it on Thursday morning. It will be a solid block of ice.
Thursday, January 15, is when the real winter teeth come out. We’re talking about a high of only 9°F and a low of -15°F. Yes, you read that right. Minus fifteen. That’s the "your nose hairs freeze instantly" kind of cold.
Dressing for the "Ottawa Sandwich"
Since we’re dealing with a mix of rain, slush, and then deep-freeze temperatures, your clothing strategy needs to be smart. Honestly, fashion takes a backseat here.
👉 See also: Cracker Barrel Old Country Store Waldorf: What Most People Get Wrong About This Local Staple
- Footwear is everything. Today’s light rain and tomorrow’s rain-snow mix mean puddles. Deep, slushy, salt-filled puddles. You need waterproof boots. If your feet get wet today at 34°F, you’re going to be miserable when that temperature drops.
- The Layering Rule. Because we’re oscillating between 37°F and -15°F this week, don’t rely on one giant coat. Wear a base layer that wicks moisture. You might actually sweat during the "mild" 37°F rain on Wednesday, and if that sweat stays on your skin when the temperature hits 11°F at night, you're in trouble.
- The Wind Factor. That northwest wind on Thursday at 10 mph doesn't sound like much, but at 9°F, it’s a blade. Cover your ears.
A Look at the 7-Day Stretch
After the Thursday deep freeze, things "warm up" slightly, but it stays active. Friday sees a high of 34°F again, which is bizarre considering the night before was -15°F. We’re expecting snow showers to persist through the weekend.
Saturday and Sunday (January 17-18) look like classic Ottawa winter days. Highs around 34°F and 23°F respectively, with light snow and snow showers. It’s the kind of weather that’s perfect for the Rideau Canal if the ice is thick enough, but keep an eye on those official status updates because this constant thawing and freezing is a nightmare for ice consistency.
What to Actually Do Now
Don't get caught off guard by the Wednesday night transition. Basically, the weather forecast in Ottawa is telling you to get your errands done today or early tomorrow.
✨ Don't miss: Converting 50 Degrees Fahrenheit to Celsius: Why This Number Matters More Than You Think
Once Thursday hits, the salt on the roads stops working as effectively because it's just too cold. Travel will be slower. If you have outdoor pets, make sure they have a warm place to retreat to before that Wednesday night temperature drop.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Check your wiper fluid. Make sure it’s the -40°C rated stuff. With the rain turning to snow and then a deep freeze, you'll be using a lot of it.
- Clear your catch basins. If there’s a drain near your driveway, make sure it’s clear of slush today so the rain has somewhere to go before it freezes solid on Thursday.
- Plan for Thursday indoors. With a low of -15°F and highs in the single digits, it’s a great day to stay off the 417 if you can.