Ground near saturated with 20-40 mm of rain on the way for Ottawa
Posted Apr 13, 2026 09:40:00 AM.
Last Updated Apr 13, 2026 12:51:10 PM.
A rain system is making its way across the National Capital Region, bringing a possible 20 to 40 millimetres.
Environment Canada believes a break in the rain could happen on Monday afternoon, before another round of “heavy precipitation” is set to impact the area on Tuesday.
“The ground, already near saturation, has little ability to absorb further rainfall,” it warned.
The weather agency warns that water will likely pool on roads and in low-lying areas.
A flood watch is in place for the Rideau River, and a water safety statement is in place for the Ottawa River. The Rideau Valley Conservation Authority (RVCA) issued the flood watch for the Tay Valley and Rideau Lakes regions on Wednesday as water levels remain high in the upper watershed.
“Recent rainfall of 25 to 35 mm over the past week, combined with ongoing snowmelt, has resulted in elevated runoff and rising water levels across the Upper Watershed,” the RVCA said. “A sustained warming trend over the next 10 days, with temperatures consistently above zero, is expected to continue snowmelt and runoff.”
Temperatures are expected to hover above 15 C in Ottawa for the week, the forecast shows.
With files from CityNews’ Rachel Morgan.
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