Heavy Rain Coming to Ottawa Thursday
Ottawa residents should plan for a wet Thursday, with Environment Canada forecasting up to 40 millimetres of rainfall across the capital region. That's a significant amount of precipitation that could cause localized flooding, slippery road conditions, and disruptions to outdoor plans.
To put it in perspective, Ottawa averages roughly 80–90 mm of rain for the entire month of June — so Thursday's event could deliver nearly half a month's worth of rain in a single day.
What to Expect
Forecasters are pointing to a slow-moving low-pressure system tracking across southern Ontario as the culprit. Rain is expected to intensify through the morning and afternoon hours, with the heaviest downpours likely arriving midday.
Drivers should anticipate reduced visibility and standing water on lower-lying roads. Areas like the Rideau River corridor, the Glebe, and parts of Lowertown that have historically seen minor flooding during heavy rain events are worth watching closely.
Tips for Getting Through It
If you have to be out and about Thursday, here's how to stay dry and safe:
- Leave early or late — the worst of the rain is expected midday, so adjust your commute if possible.
- Check OC Transpo alerts — heavy rain occasionally causes bus detours around flooded underpasses.
- Move valuables out of your basement — if your home has a history of water infiltration, this is the time to be cautious.
- Avoid Parking near storm drains — fast-moving water around drain blockages can damage vehicles.
A Reminder About Ottawa's Drain Capacity
The City of Ottawa has been investing in stormwater infrastructure upgrades in recent years, but older neighbourhoods — particularly in the inner city — can still see overwhelmed storm drains during high-intensity rain events. The city's 311 service is the place to report blocked drains or street flooding.
Friday Looks Better
The silver lining: the system is expected to clear by Thursday evening, with drier and cooler conditions returning to Ottawa by Friday. After a stretch of warm early-summer weather, the rain could actually be welcome relief for lawns and gardens across the city.
Keep an eye on Environment Canada's Ottawa forecast page and local alerts for the most up-to-date timing and totals as the storm approaches.
Source: CTV News Ottawa / Google News Ottawa RSS
