Monday morning: warmer than it's been, live music tonight.

Morning's sitting at 12°C, so you can ditch the heavy layers for a bit — warmer than the weekend was. It'll stay mostly cloudy through the day, and sunset's early at 6:49 PM, so if you're planning anything outside, you've got just under 12 hours of daylight. UV's moderate at 5.0, so you're fine without the zinc oxide, but a quick walk at lunch won't hurt.

Monday commute should be straightforward — nothing flagged on the LRT or main routes. Just the usual Monday traffic rhythm once you're heading in.

A few things worth knowing this week: Ottawa Community Housing just closed its largest deal ever, picking up 503 units in Craig Henry, which is genuinely big news for the city's rental stock. If housing's on your mind, that one landed hard. The mayoral debate's coming Thursday too, and transit and vacant unit taxes are going to be front and centre — worth paying attention if you're thinking about who's next. On the lighter side, our own Yannick La Salle's advanced to the 2027 Canadian Culinary Championship, so that's a local win.

If you're thinking lunch or dinner, Ruby's just opened in the ByWard Market with small plates and wine that's actually thoughtful — worth a look if you're in the neighbourhood. Fair warning though: a couple of spots are closing. Nutty Greek Bake Shop on Preston wrapped after 15 years, and Ek Bar, the Toronto restaurateur's only Ottawa location, is shutting down by month-end. Nothing major, but if you had favourites there, time's ticking.

Tonight, if you want to shake off the Monday feeling, there's live rock at The 27 Club at 7:30 PM — JIMI and Taming Sari are playing. Low-key, good for just showing up after work without it being a whole thing. It'll be dark by then, obviously, so the club vibe will be solid.

This weekend's got Cirque du Soleil and some good live stuff on the schedule too, so there's momentum building for the next few days. For now though, ease into the week, grab your coffee, and you're sorted.

Stay warm.