02-04-2025
Rain and freezing rain on the way for London region
If you wanted warm patio weather and some sunshine to get you through Wednesday, get back under the covers and don't come back out for a bit.
Environment Canada has issued rain and freezing rain warnings, while the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority says the Thames River could crest on Thursday afternoon in upstream areas and early Friday in London.
"We're expecting some decent rain today and into tonight," said Brian Owsiak, an Environment Canada meteorologist. "The significant amount of rainfall at this time of year warrants a rainfall warning. We'll have 10 to 20 mm of rainfall today and then probably another 20 to 30 mm overnight."
Most of the rain will happen in the evening and will ease up overnight, Owsiak said, with some evening thunderstorms possible.
Later this morning, there could also be some freezing rain, although it's not as big a concern as the rain, he added.
"If we do get a little bit of freezing rain this morning, it could ice up some of the roads and parking lots," Owsiak said. "With the heavier rain coming in today and tonight, the evening and tomorrow morning's commute you'll have reduced visibility, water ponding and pooling."
The showers will linger into Thursday morning, with sun and cloud marking most of the rest of the day, and sunshine peeking out on Friday and a high of 11 degrees C. with some rain expected on the weekend as well.
All that water will fall onto ground conditions that are already saturated from the spring runoff and rain from the past weekend.
The river should peak in the Mitchell, Stratford and Tavistock area on Thursday afternoon and into the early hours on Friday in London. Water levels will remain elevated over the weekend. The conservation authority will operate its flood control reservoirs at Fanshawe, Wildwood and Pittock conservation areas to reduce downstream flooding.
"Residents are reminded to use extreme caution near all watercourses and stay out of all flooded areas. Stream banks can be slippery and unstable, and the water is cold and fast-moving. Parents are reminded to keep children and pets away from watercourses," officials said in a statement.
