Ottawa residents and tourists will want to keep the rain gear handy tonight and on Wednesday, as “multiple rounds of showers and thunderstorms” are expected to continue to hit the capital. A total of 28 millimetres of rain has already been recorded at the Ottawa Airport today. Environment Canada has issued a special weather statement, calling for 50 to 100 millimetres of rain through Wednesday morning. “A low-pressure system is forecast to develop tonight and then stall over the area by Tuesday,” the weather agency said. “Multiple rounds of showers and thunderstorms are expected for some areas, leading to rainfall amounts that exceed 50 mm and may approach 100 mm in a few locales.” The forecast calls for 20 to 30 mm of rain today, another 10 mm of rain tonight and 15 to 25 mm of rain on Wednesday. “Of the 50 to 100 mm that we’re advertising, we’ve already had, I think, probably 25 to 30,” Environment Canada meteorologist Peter Kimbell told Newstalk 580 CFRA’s Ottawa at Work with Patricia Boal. “I’d say another 25 for sure, but it’s probably the worst that’s gone by already.” The record for greatest rainfall on July 28 in Ottawa history is 43.4 mm, set in 1958. Ottawa has already received approximately 250 millimetres of rain so far in July. The previous record for wettest July in Ottawa was 249.8 mm recorded at the Ottawa Airport, set in 2017. A total of 250 millimetres of rain was also recorded at the Central Experimental Farm in July 1899. A record 118.4 mm of rain fell on Canada Day, which flooded roads and basements in the west end. The City of Ottawa said some areas saw more than 140 millimetres of rain in five hours. The special weather statement is in effect for eastern Ontario and the Ottawa Valley, stretching from Pembroke to Cornwall and west to Brockville and Kingston. City of Ottawa response The City of Ottawa is encouraging residents to take “preventative measures” to protect against possible flooding, including ensuring sump pumps are working and clearing catch basis. Coun. Laine Johnson posted a response from city staff about how the city is preparing for the rain. “Staff are prepared to adjust operational responses as conditions evolve and will continue to keep Council and residents informed throughout the event,” staff said. “Crews are monitoring drainage infrastructure and responding to issues as required to help manage stormwater runoff. Staff have proactively inspected catch basins and outlets, with a significant number of related cleaning work orders now completed. “ Staff warn temporary water pooling on city streets is expected due to the heavy rainfall. Residents are asked to report any basement flooding online or by contacting 3-1-1. Hydro outages Hydro Ottawa reported power outages across Ottawa thunderstorms moved through the capital early this morning. The utility said a tree came into contact with a power line in the Parkwood Hills area, knocking out power to some residents. As of 10:15 a.m., Hydro Ottawa was reporting 4,456 customers in the Riverside South-Findlay Creek, Barrhaven East and Osgoode areas are without power. The power was restored around 11 a.m. Forecast The forecast calls for showers in Ottawa today with the risk of a thunderstorm. High 21 C with the humidex making it feel like 29. Showers continuing tonight. Low 17 C. Wednesday will see showers with the risk of a thunderstorm. High 20 C. Thursday will be cloudy with a 30 per cent chance of showers. High 26 C. The outlook for Friday calls for sunshine. High 28 C. Saturday will be cloudy. High 27 C. The normal temperatures for this time of year are a high of 26 C and a low of 16 C.
