Just as National Capital Commission crews were seeing progress in the annual preparation of the Rideau Canal Skateway, a Chinook-like warm weather front is expected to hit the Ottawa area to put things on hold.
Environment Canada is forecasting high temperatures well above freezing for the next three days.
The agency is calling for highs of 4 C Wednesday, 5 C on Thursday and 7 C on Friday.
The Wednesday forecast is for mainly cloudy skies with a chance of showers. Thursday looks like a mix of sun and cloud, while flurries or showers are forecast for Friday.
Overnight lows are expected to drop to about -11 C, with windchill effect making it feel like -15 or so.
The outlook for Saturday calls for a mix of sun and cloud with a 40 per cent chance of flurries.
The National Capital Commission, which operates and maintains the Skateway said earlier this week that preparation was well underway, although they were aware of a possible thaw this week.
“The recent consistently cold temperatures have provided an excellent start for ice-building operations,” Valérie Dufour, senior manager of strategic communications with the NCC, wrote in an email.
“While milder temperatures are expected later this week, we hope for a minimal impact on ice formation.”
The earliest opening of the Skateway was Dec.18 in 1972, and again in 1981.
