A week of warmer than average temperatures will be offset by rain, according to Environment Canada’s latest forecast.
A rainfall warning is calling for 25 to 40 mm of rain to fall between Monday afternoon and Wednesday. As of 11 a.m., the forecast high for Monday is 6°C, while Tuesday and Wednesday could see the mercury rise as high as 11°C.
Warning-preparedness meteorologist for Environment Canada Geoff Coulson tells CFRA the warmth will mean a lot of extra water.
“At this time of year, with the ground still frozen, some snowpack can absorb some of the rain but there could be some impacts in and around the Ottawa area from the amount of rain we’re anticipating.”
Coulson says local river authorities have been notified of the coming rainfall and will be monitoring levels.
“If it does appear to be a chance of more significant impact from the combination of warm temperatures, rainfall and snow melt, we could see some of these conservation authorities move into a flood watch situation,” Coulson says.
The Rideau Valley Conservation Authority issued a statement Friday advising of the possibility of rising water levels and a decline in ice integrity.
“As the snowmelt and rain runoff moves through the Rideau system, the ice cover can be expected to shift and, in some places, break up. This could lead to ice jamming at culverts and bridges which could cause localized flooding. Ponding water on the surface will make walking on the ice treacherous,” the RVCA says.
Coulson adds that Tuesday’s 11-degree high could be a record-breaker.
“That would beat the current record for that date in history of 9.7°C, set back in 1994.”