April in Ottawa was wetter than average, Environment Canada says, after more than 100 millimetres of rain fell on the capital. Ottawa saw a rainfall total of 112.8 mm last month. The monthly average for April is 81 mm, Environment Canada says. The city had a particularly damp week between April 10 and 16, with 61.5 mm falling on six of seven days. The month ended with another 22.1 mm over two days. The rainfall, in addition to rising temperatures and melting snow, contributed to flooding along the Ottawa River, with water levels peaking around April 21 in the Ottawa-Gatineau area. Water levels are slowly receding in the region, but officials warn the river will remain “generally high” over the next two weeks. A flood watch is in effect for the Lower Ottawa River between Arnprior and Hawkesbury. Temperatures in Ottawa were slightly above average, coming in at a mean temperature of 6.4 C, above the normal mean of 5.9 C. The highest temperature recorded last month was 24.9 C on April 18. The coldest low was -9.5 C on April 8, which was immediately followed by an 18-degree high on April 9. Environment Canada says it expects May to be typical, in terms of temperatures, but some areas might see less rain. “The latest monthly outlook guidance shows no expected probability of either higher- or lower-than-normal temperatures. For precipitation, drier than normal conditions are most likely in northwestern and northeastern Ontario,” Environment Canada said.
