Winter Storm Warning in Ottawa, ON

Check whether a winter storm warning is in effect in Ottawa, Ontario right now. The live status below pulls active warnings, watches and advisories and shows current conditions and a 7-day snow forecast for Ottawa. Ottawa sees heavy snow routinely, and winter storm warnings are a regular feature of its winters.

Content reviewed · live status updates automatically · by the Winter Storm Warning editorial team

As of 4:00 PM GMT-4, no winter storm warning is in effect for Ottawa, Ontario. The computed winter-storm risk is 0/100 (Low) — no significant winter hazards in the next 48 hours.

Currently 23°C, feels like 22°C, wind 14 km/h, mainly clear.

Next 7 days in Ottawa, Ontario: highs 19–24°C, lows 9–16°C with little or no snow expected.

Live snapshot as of 4:00 PM GMT-4 · readings refresh automatically below.

Current Conditions

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Next 24 Hours

7-Day Snow & Temperature Forecast

What To Do Now

    Important: the risk index is a forecast estimate, not an official warning. Official winter storm warnings come only from Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC). Always follow local authorities.

    Winter Storm Warnings in Ottawa, Ontario

    Ottawa is one of Canada's snowiest capital cities, and the numbers bear that out. Analyzing thirteen years of weather data from 2012 through 2024, the city averaged 153.2 cm (60.3 inches) of snowfall per year — a substantial seasonal burden that keeps road crews and residents on alert from late autumn well into spring.

    The heart of Ottawa's snow season falls in January, December, and February, in that order of typical snowfall intensity. These months carry the greatest risk of disruptive accumulation events. Over the study period, Ottawa experienced an average of roughly 0.6 heavy-snow days per year — meaning a significant single-storm dump is a real but relatively infrequent occurrence, not a weekly winter routine.

    When Environment and Climate Change Canada issues a winter storm warning for the Ottawa area, it signals conditions expected to create serious travel hazards or infrastructure strain — typically through rapid, heavy snowfall combined with strong winds and bitter cold. Average winter overnight lows sit around −11.1 °C (12.0 °F), making blowing and drifting snow a compounding factor. It's worth noting that warning thresholds differ across Canadian regions; the criteria applied to Ottawa reflect the National Capital Region's specific climate and vulnerability profile.

    Years analyzed13 winters (2012–2024)
    Avg. annual snowfall153.2 cm (60.3 in)
    Snowiest monthsJanuary, December, February
    Avg. winter overnight low−11.1°C (12°F)
    Heavy-snow days per year0.6

    Climatology figures are approximate estimates for the period shown and may differ from official local records.

    Watch vs warning: a winter storm watch means a major storm is possible in Ottawa within 12–48 hours (be prepared); a winter storm warning means it is happening or about to (take action now). For full definitions, see the complete winter storm warning guide.

    Ottawa winter storm FAQ

    Is there a winter storm warning in Ottawa right now?

    The live status at the top of this page shows whether a winter storm warning, watch, or advisory is currently in effect for Ottawa, Ontario. It checks live forecast and alert data automatically and refreshes every time the page loads.

    Does Ottawa get winter storm warnings often?

    Ottawa sees heavy snow routinely, and winter storm warnings are a regular feature of its winters. The frequency varies year to year with the track of major storm systems.

    How much snow triggers a winter storm warning in Ottawa?

    Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) issues winter warnings on criteria that vary by region and expected impact: how much snow or ice is forecast, over what period, and how disruptive it is likely to be for the area. There is no single fixed snow total.

    What should I do during a winter storm warning in Ottawa?

    Avoid travel if possible, stay indoors and keep warm, prepare for power outages, keep an emergency kit, and check on elderly or vulnerable neighbours. Follow guidance from Ontario authorities and Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC).

    Winter storm warnings in nearby locations

    See all locations, read the latest winter weather news, or the full winter storm warning guide. Definitions follow Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) criteria; thresholds vary by region.