Weather is expected to be ‘well above normal’ in Ottawa this week

The nation’s capital is set to experience summer-like temperatures for the first half of this week.

According to Environment Canada, there is a mix of sun and cloud Monday and Tuesday, and a chance of showers Wednesday — with daytime highs in the low-to-mid 20s.

The evening and overnight hours will be cooler but are predicted to stay above seasonal temperatures on Monday and Tuesday, while Wednesday drops to a low of 5 C.

This remains above the average minimum temperature for Oct. 23.

Based on data from Environment Canada, Monday’s average maximum temperature measured at Ottawa MacDonald-Cartier International Airport is 11.3 C — and the highest temperature recorded on Oct. 21 was 24.2 C in 1979.

A cyclist rides through Gatineau Park
A cyclist rides through Gatineau Park as leaves change colour near Chelsea, Que. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld)

Monday’s temperature is a high of 23 C, falling well above the average maximum temperature, and near the highest temperature recorded on this day.

Tuesday, Oct. 22 is expected to be a high of 23 C in Ottawa, a few degrees below Environment Canada’s recording of 26.4 C as the highest temperature on this day.

Wednesday — the final day of Ottawa’s well-above-normal weather — is set to be a high of 23 C, just above the city’s highest temperature recorded, measured at 24.6 C.

Additionally, the Climate Atlas of Canada is predicting a rise in the number of plus 30 C days in Ottawa over the next 25 years, jumping from 13.5 days (1976-2005) to 31.4 (2021-2050).

It is attributing this change to higher levels of carbon in the atmosphere, resulting in further climate change.

Ottawa’s 7-day forecast:

  • Monday: Mix of sun and cloud. High 23 C. Low 10 C.
  • Tuesday: Clearing. High 23 C. Low 14 C.
  • Wednesday: 40% per cent chance of showers. High 23 C. Low 5 C.
  • Thursday: 40 per cent chance of showers. High 9 C. Low 0 C.
  • Friday: Mix of sun and cloud. High 10 C. Low 3 C.
  • Saturday: Mix of sun and cloud. High 11 C. Low 0 C.
  • Sunday: Mix of sun and cloud. High 11 C.

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