'Fickle and fitful': What to expect from the weather in November

A dusting of snow this week was a reminder that despite the warm weather in September and October, winter is coming.

A dusting of snow this week was a reminder that despite the warm weather in September and October, winter is coming.

According to Environment Canada, 2.8 cm of snow was recorded at the Ottawa Airport on Monday, the first snowfall of the season.

Temperatures in Ottawa ended up a bit below average for the last two days of October, with a chill in the air on Halloween night. Looking ahead to November, the first week appears to be relatively average, with seasonal highs and more rain than snow, though a chance of snow is still in the forecast.

Cooling things down early will be critical for the Rideau Canal Skateway, a winter staple in Ottawa. Work began on setting up vendor equipment Tuesday and will continue until the coming Monday. Last winter, the Skateway didn't open at all for skating.

Looking deeper into November, what can Ottawa expect?

Environment Canada's senior climatologist David Phillips says we might be in for a bit of a chill, but it's too soon to write the warmer (than average) weather off just yet.

"Normal in Ottawa this time of the year would be a high of about 8 and a low of about 1," he said. "So, we're not going to see this week as being above normal, it's kind of at normal, and next week we see a little bit more of a cool-off."