A flood warning has been issued for the Ottawa Valley. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry says that flooding is likely along the Ottawa River’s main stem, from the Westmeath area and downstream to Arnprior. Officials say that water levels are expected to reach minor flood levels in the Pembroke area starting Wednesday. However, levels are expected to remain stable thereafter. The good news is that the ministry notes that the water level reached this week is expected to be well below the historical high of 2019.
Description of Weather System:
The unseasonably warm temperatures from the previous week have ended and colder air moves back into the region today with temperatures around 10°C this afternoon. Drizzle and showers will prevail today with a possibility of 10 mm of rain. Overnight lows will fall back around freezing. Daytime high temperatures for the rest of the week will hover between 7 and 15°C with nighttime temperatures hovering around 0°C. In addition, there is a possibility of 10-15 mm of rain predicted for Thursday. Above zero-degree daytime temperatures combined with any precipitation events will result in further snow melt and continued run-off during this period.
Description of Current Conditions:
Water levels and flows on the main stem of the Ottawa River are increasing in all locations due to the rapid melt of the snowpack in the central and southern parts of the basin. Levels
are expected to exceed minor flood levels in all areas along the river from Lake Coulonge to Montreal. MNRF is closely monitoring the weather and developing watershed conditions. Further updates will be issued as appropriate.
(Written by: Kyle Robinson)
