Residents of Ottawa are waking up to a treacherous weather warning as Environment Canada forecasts a combination of freezing rain and powerful wind gusts for Monday, December 29, 2025. The dual threat is expected to create significant hazards on roads and sidewalks throughout the day.
Details of the Weather Alert
The national weather agency has issued alerts for the capital region, predicting wind gusts reaching speeds of up to 70 kilometres per hour. These strong winds will coincide with periods of freezing rain, a particularly dangerous mix that can lead to widespread ice accumulation on any surface. The conditions observed early Monday morning, with ice already coating Elgin Street, sidewalks, trees, and much of downtown Ottawa, are a stark preview of what is to come.
Risks and Public Safety Advice
The primary concern for public safety officials is the rapid formation of ice on untreated surfaces. Travel is strongly discouraged as roads, highways, walkways, and parking lots will become slippery and hazardous. The combination of ice and high winds also increases the risk of falling tree branches and localized power outages. Environment Canada advises the public to exercise extreme caution if venturing outside and to consider postponing non-essential trips until conditions improve.
Broader National Weather Context
Ottawa's severe weather event is part of a larger pattern affecting much of the country. At the time of reporting, about 20 various weather warnings were in effect across Canada, with systems bringing heavy rain, snow, and extreme cold to different regions. Southern Ontario, for instance, is under multiple alerts, including flood and wind warnings. This widespread activity underscores a volatile and active weather pattern to close out the year 2025.
Authorities are urging Ottawa citizens to monitor local forecasts for updates and to prepare for potentially changing conditions throughout Monday. Staying informed and avoiding unnecessary travel are the best strategies for staying safe during this freezing rain and wind event.
