Ottawa residents should keep an umbrella handy Friday, with showers and strong winds expected to move in by the afternoon.
The day starts off mild and mostly dry, according to The Weather Network. Morning temperatures will sit around 14°C under cloudy skies, with light winds of about 13 km/h. There is only a 30 per cent chance of precipitation early in the day, so the morning commute should be comfortable.
Conditions change heading into the afternoon. Temperatures climb to a high of about 19°C, but the chance of rain jumps to 70 per cent, with roughly 2.1 mm of rain expected.
The wind is the bigger story. Gusts are forecast to reach 53 km/h through the afternoon, with sustained winds around 31 km/h. Winds begin picking up near noon, blowing around 23 km/h with gusts near 35 km/h before strengthening further.
What it means for your day
Anyone heading to outdoor markets, festivals or trail walks Friday should pack rain gear. Cyclists and hikers are advised to be cautious on exposed paths, where gusts could make for difficult conditions.
There's one upside: UV levels are expected to peak at high around midday, so sunscreen and sunglasses are still worth having on hand during any breaks in the rain.
The evening stays unsettled. The chance of showers drops to 40 per cent, with about 0.5 mm of rain expected, while temperatures fall to around 12°C. Winds remain brisk into the evening, and the UV index falls to a minimal level. Air quality is expected to remain good.
The evening commute could mean wet roads and gusty conditions, so drivers should allow extra time. Anyone planning dinner out may want to pick an indoor spot — it's shaping up to be a cool, damp end to the day.
For the day overall, the forecast suggests light layers that can handle fluctuating temperatures, waterproof footwear for wet sidewalks and a windbreaker to cut through the gusts.
