A second wave of high water possible for Montreal

Flood waters in Vaudreuil/Dorion and across southwestern Quebec have been lowering over the last week. However upcoming wet weather may force another surge of water down the Ottawa River towards Montreal over the upcoming week. (Photo: Ledy Quintero)

Flood warnings are in effect across the Ottawa River on the Ontario side of the border, as another wave of rising water is expected. The flood watch has remained in effect on the Quebec side from Pointe Fortune to Montreal. The recent dry weather has allowed water levels to drop across the region, but that will change with more rain in the forecast along with melting snow from the northern portion of the basin.

Water levels at the gauge in Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue have dropped from 23.94 metres a little over a week ago down to 23.80 metres currently. This is back into the minor flood stage. 

Concern is on the rise that we may see another wave of high water throughout the Ottawa River Basin and its tributaries into the first week of May. Our dry weather is set to com to an end on Wednesday, with rainy weather forecast as a frontal boundary moves east. Both Ottawa and Montreal are forecasting 15-25mm of rain over the next 36 hours, with some regions in the Ottawa Valley expecting as much as 50mm.

Thankfully all flood mitigation efforts remain in place, with municipalities remaining vigilant and on high alert. It has been a welcome relief over the last week or so to see water levels lower in the Montreal region. The hope is that water levels will not reach those of earlier this month along the Ottawa River and Lake of Two Mountains. 

Our weather will not only turn wet, but sharply colder Thursday into the weekend, as an upper level low drifts over the region. Temperatures will remain in the single digits for highs through the weekend. Overnight lows will be close to the freezing point, with even a few flurries and scattered frost possible for some locations. 

One group that is happy to see some wet weather is SOPFEU, Quebec's wildfire management agency has been dealing with tinder dry conditions in our forests. Despite the flood threat, many regions have had very high fire danger, with burn bans in effect for several municipalities. The wet weather should alleviate that threat for the short-term.