Cold temperatures continue to grip Ottawa with a wind chill of -18 today

The Centennial Flame burns in front of the West Block on Parliament Hill in Ottawa on Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025. (Sean Kilpatrick/THE CANADIAN PRESS)

The stretch of cold weather gripping Ottawa will continue today and through the rest of the week, which is good news for people hoping to skate on the Rideau Canal Skateway.

It's -16 C at 6 a.m., with the wind chill making it feel like -27.  This is the sixth straight day with temperatures in the minus double digits.

Environment Canada's forecast calls for light snow through the day on Wednesday. High -11 C with the wind chill making it feel like -18 this afternoon.

Light snow expected tonight. Low -13 C with the wind chill making it feel like -20.

Thursday will be cloudy with a 30 per cent chance of flurries in the morning. Clearing in the afternoon. High -6 C.

Friday will see a mix of sun and cloud. High -7 C.

The outlook for Saturday calls for cloudy with a 40 per cent chance of snow. High -5 C.

The normal temperatures for this time of year are a high of -6 C and a low of -15 C.

The National Capital Commission says it's taking advantage of the cold temperatures to work on opening the Rideau Canal Skateway. Crews have been out on the ice flooding the world's largest skateway since Saturday.

"Definitely sometime this month, I guarantee," Bruce Devine, NCC senior manager for facilities and programs, told Newstalk 580 CFRA on Tuesday. "More likely sooner. Hopefully, by the end of the week, we'll have a much better idea of where we're at."