Residents of Canada's capital have found a familiar topic dominating their conversations: the weather. This winter in Ottawa has delivered a classic mix of freezing rain, snow, and biting cold, making it feel particularly harsh. However, despite the icy commutes and frosty mornings, meteorological data reveals this season is not on track to break any historical records.
A Icy Start to the New Year
The reality of the season hit home on the morning of Monday, January 2, 2026, as Ottawans like Teagan Bertschi chipped away at thick ice on their windshields. A bout of freezing rain made the morning commute a slippery challenge across the city. Workers like Daniel Joly and Guy Beaudin were seen salting sidewalks and parking meters in the Glebe to combat the hazardous conditions. Fortunately, as the day progressed, temperatures climbed above freezing, turning the ice into plain rain and creating massive puddles for pedestrians to navigate.
The Rideau Canal Skateway provided a clear sign of winter's arrival, opening for skaters on New Year's Eve. This marked a return to form after the disappointing 2023 season when the world's largest skating rink did not open at all—the only full closure since it first opened in January 1971. The last time the canal welcomed skaters in December was back in 2018, a season that lasted 71 days.
Contextualizing the Cold
So why does this winter feel so intense? According to Environment Canada expert Gerald Cheng, the explanation is straightforward. "There's no particular reason, just cold air from the Arctic coming down," Cheng states. He describes it as a combination of weather systems with colder air behind them, a pattern typical for the season.
The perception of extreme cold is also shaped by recent memory. Ottawa has experienced milder Decembers in the past several years, making the current conditions feel more severe by contrast. For instance, on Christmas Eve 2015, the mercury hit a balmy plus-10 degrees Celsius, with some residents even paddling down the Gatineau River in festive attire.
December 2026 was indeed the coldest December in Ottawa since 2017. On New Year's Eve at midday, the temperature was minus 9 degrees Celsius, feeling like minus 17 with the wind chill. The average for that time is typically around minus 6. The cold deepened on New Year's Day morning, dropping to -18°C, with forecasts predicting a dip to -25°C early on January 2.
Keeping Winter in Perspective
While these numbers are certainly brisk, they are not unprecedented. The coldest New Year's Day on record was in 2018, when temperatures plunged to -30.2°C. Cheng emphasizes that the current conditions are part of the normal ebb and flow of a Canadian winter. "In wintertime, there are big swings in temperatures, and we're not seeing anything out of the ordinary," he explains. "Above freezing is part and parcel for winter, as well as freezing rain and snow."
His advice to residents is pragmatic: be prepared for the full spectrum of winter weather, from intense cold waves to milder periods. "It's still a long way until winter's over," Cheng reminds everyone. For now, Ottawans can embrace the season—whether that means hacking ice off a car, enjoying a skate on the historic canal, or simply sharing a conversation about the latest atmospheric developments.
