Environment Canada issues warning for heavy rain in Ottawa this weekend

People walking on a cloudy spring day in Ottawa. April 2, 2026. (CTV News Ottawa)

Environment Canada has issued a yellow warning – rainfall for the Ottawa area this weekend.

According to Environment Canada’s warning statement, Ottawa will experience 20 to 40 millimetres of rain beginning on Saturday afternoon and continuing into Sunday morning.

“The ground may have little ability to absorb further moisture due to recent rainfall events,” Environment Canada wrote.

Environment Canada says the heaviest rainfall will occur on Saturday afternoon and evening, and localized thunderstorms are possible.

“Water will likely pool on roads and in low-lying areas,” Environment Canada wrote. “Visibility will likely be suddenly reduced at times. Avoid low-lying areas. Watch for washouts near rivers, creeks and culverts.”

Warnings are in effect through much of eastern Ontario, and Environment Canada has issued orange warnings for some areas in western Quebec.

Environment Canada issued a special weather statement for Saturday’s rainfall on Thursday, but this has been replaced with the yellow warning.

Forecast

It will be a warm, albeit wet Easter weekend in Ottawa.

According to Environment Canada’s weather forecast, temperatures in Ottawa will reach a high of 18 C on Friday, with a chance of showers throughout the day.

Overnight, there is a 40 per cent chance of showers and the temperature will drop to a low of 1 C.

Saturday, expect 20-40 millimetres of rain and a temperature high of 7C.

On Sunday, the forecast predicts a temperature high of 9 C and a 60 per cent chance of rain.

On Monday, expect a high of 4 C and a mix of sun and clouds.

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