Rainy Week in the Forecast

Watershed Conditions Statement – Flood Outlook

2026ÌýFlood EventÌý5,ÌýBulletin NumberÌý1 (Issued April 13, 2026, at 15:30;ÌýValid until April 20, 2026, at 12:00 noon)

´¡Ìý³¾´Ç¾±²õ³Ù³Ü°ù±ð‑laden frontal system willÌýbeÌýover the southern region of the province for the next four days, starting today (Monday). Widespread rainfall and shower activity is expected,Ìýwith daily totals ranging from 15 to 25 mm across much of the region.ÌýIsolated thunderstorms could contribute anÌýadditionalÌý10 to 20 mm per dayÌýover the next four days.ÌýThe cumulative five‑day rainfall totals could exceedÌý75 mm inÌýthe Upper Thames RiverÌýConservation Authority (UTRCA)Ìýwatershed.Ìý

Ground conditionsÌýare nearÌýsaturated from last week’s rainfallÌýand water levelsÌýremainÌýslightly elevated.ÌýMuch of theÌýforecastÌýrainÌýwill runÌýoff into local water bodies, should itÌýmaterialize, raising water levelsÌýas the week progressesÌýto close to, or higher than,Ìýwhat was experienced last week.ÌýÌý

The UTRCA does not expect serious flooding at thisÌýtime butÌýwill be watching this event closely and providingÌýupdates to this message if conditions change.ÌýTheÌýUTRCAÌýwill beÌýoperatingÌýitsÌýflood control reservoirsÌýatÌýFanshawe, Wildwood,Ìýand Pittock Conservation Areas to reduce downstream flooding.Ìý

The public is reminded to use extreme caution near all local waterways. Stream banks may be slippery and unstable, and the water is very cold and fast-moving. Stay out of any flooded areas and do not drive through flooded roadways. Caregivers are reminded to keep children and pets away from watercourses. It is not safe to take shelter along riverbanks or in low lying areas that are prone to flooding. â¶Ä¯

• See Thames River water levels and flows
• Types of flood bulletins
• Find out how the UTRCA manages floods

Watercourses remain Elevated

Watershed Conditions Statement – Water Safety

2026 Flood Event 4, Bulletin Number 2Ìý(Issued April 6, 2026, at 11:00 am; Valid until April 9, 2026, at 12:00 pm)

The Upper Thames River watershed received 20-50 mm of rain since last Thursday, and the runoff from that rain continues to make its way down area watercourses. Peak flows moved through the watershed yesterday, with water levels now slowly receding.

Watercourses remain high and are expected to stay elevated into this week. An additional 10-15 mm of rain is forecast for Wednesday and Thursday of this week, which will keep water levels elevated.

The ÌÇÐÄÖ±²¥ (UTRCA) is operating its flood control reservoirs at Fanshawe, Wildwood, and Pittock Conservation Areas to reduce downstream flooding. UTRCA officials are monitoring the situation and will report on any changing conditions if necessary.

The public is reminded to use extreme caution near all local waterways. Stream banks may be slippery and unstable, and the water is very cold and fast-moving. Stay out of any flooded areas and do not drive through flooded roadways. Caregivers are reminded to keep children and pets away from watercourses. It is not safe to take shelter along riverbanks or in low lying areas that are prone to flooding.

• See Thames River water levels and flows
• Types of flood bulletins
• Find out how the UTRCA manages floods

Rainy Week Ahead

Watershed Conditions Statement – Flood Outlook

2026 Flood Event 4, Bulletin Number 1Ìý(Issued March 31, 2026, at 9:30 am; Valid until April 6, at 12:00 noon)

A low-pressure system has entered the region, and forecasts are calling for some rain each day for the remainder of the week. A total of approximately 50 mm is forecast to be received by the end of Saturday. Today’s forecast is for 15 mm with a chance of an additional localized 15 mm from thunder showers. Another 15 mm is possible on Thursday, and up to 25 mm Saturday.

While the ÌÇÐÄÖ±²¥ (UTRCA) does not expect serious flooding, staff will be watching this system closely and will update this message accordingly should conditions change.

The UTRCA is operating its flood control reservoirs at Fanshawe, Wildwood, and Pittock Conservation Areas to reduce downstream flooding.

The public is reminded to use extreme caution near all local waterways. Stream banks may be slippery and unstable, and the water is very cold and fast-moving. Stay out of any flooded areas and do not drive through flooded roadways. Caregivers are reminded to keep children and pets away from watercourses. It is not safe to take shelter along riverbanks or in low lying areas that are prone to flooding.

• See Thames River water levels and flows
• Types of flood bulletins
• Find out how the UTRCA manages floods

Streams and Rivers Remain above Normal as Spring Runoff Continues

Watershed Conditions Statement – Water Safety

2026 Flood Event 3, Bulletin Number 4 (Issued March 17, 2026, at 1:30 pm, Valid until March 23, 2026, at 12:00 pm)

Most of the remaining snow in the Upper Thames River watershed has melted, with Sunday’s warm temperatures resulting in more runoff in the northernmost portions of the watershed on Monday. Water levels are much below the peaks of last week but are still elevated and will remain higher than normal for the rest of the week.

Current forecasts are for small amounts of snow and rain beginning today and continuing into the weekend.

The public is 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. Caregivers are reminded to keep children and pets away from watercourses.

It is not safe to take shelter along riverbanks or in low lying areas that are prone to flooding.

The ÌÇÐÄÖ±²¥ (UTRCA) is operating its flood control reservoirs at Fanshawe, Wildwood, and Pittock Conservation Areas to reduce any downstream flooding.

• See Thames River water levels and flows
• Types of flood bulletins
• Find out how the UTRCA manages floods

Forecast Rain will keep Water Levels Elevated

Flood Watch – Update

2026 Flood Event 3, Bulletin Number 3 (Issued March 10, 2026, at 12:30 pm;ÌýValid until March 15, 2026, at 12:00 noon)

Warm temperatures and rain have depleted the snowpack in the Upper Thames River basin, with peak water levels occurring in area watercourses early Sunday, March 8, through early Monday, March 9, at typical spring freshet levels. High water levels persist across the watershed.

Weather forecasts are calling for an additional 20 – 50 mm of rain, with the possibility of thundershowers producing higher amounts, starting later today and continuing through tomorrow. With the ground saturated, this rain will run off quickly and will bring water levels back up tomorrow and into Thursday, potentially to levels at or above those experienced over the last few days.

The forecast also includes the potential for additional rain at the end of the week and over the weekend.

The ÌÇÐÄÖ±²¥ (UTRCA) continues to operate its flood control reservoirs at Fanshawe, Wildwood, and Pittock Conservation Areas to reduce downstream flooding. UTRCA officials are monitoring the situation closely and will update this bulletin if the conditions change.

The public isÌýreminded to useÌýextremeÌýcaution nearÌýall local waterways.ÌýStream banksÌýmayÌýbe slippery and unstable,Ìýand the water isÌýveryÌýcold and fast-moving.ÌýIce on flood control reservoirsÌýisÌýespecially hazardous due to fluctuating water levels.

Stay out of any flooded areas and do not drive through flooded roadways.ÌýCaregiversÌýare reminded to keep children and pets away from watercourses.ÌýIt is not safe to take shelter along riverbanks or in low lying areas that are prone to flooding.

• See Thames River water levels and flows
• Types of flood bulletins
• Find out how the UTRCA manages floods

Spring Freshet arriving this Weekend

Flood Watch

2026 Flood Event 3, Bulletin Number 2 (Issued March 6, 2026, at 4:00 pm, valid until March 11, 2026, at 12:00 noon)

The ÌÇÐÄÖ±²¥ (UTRCA) expects most of the remaining snow in the Upper Thames River watershed to melt this weekend, due to the prolonged warm temperatures, rain already received, and forecast precipitation.

Watercourses have been rising throughout the week, with temperatures above freezing most days and 5-20 mm of precipitation measured. More precipitation has been recorded in the southern portion of the watershed than in the north. Forecast rain ranges from 10-30 mm over today and tomorrow, with higher amounts in the south.

The snow survey conducted by UTRCA on Monday, March 2, estimated 70 mm of snow water equivalent in the northern portion of the watershed, with 18 mm in the south. Approximately 5-10 mm has been released into watercourses from the snow since Monday, with the remaining water still in the snowpack.

With today’s warm temperatures and tomorrow’s temperatures potentially reaching 18 degrees C, most of the remaining snowpack will melt and make its way down the rivers and streams over the weekend.

The UTRCA expects peak flows to develop Saturday evening in the upstream areas of the watershed (Mitchell, St. Marys, Stratford, Woodstock, Ingersoll, etc.). The Thames River through London is expected to peak in the early hours of Sunday. Water levels will remain elevated into next week.

While the UTRCA does not expect serious flooding, there is uncertainty in the weather forecasts and in the estimates of remaining water in the snowpack. If the higher forecasts and volumes materialize, most traditional floodplain areas in the watershed will be inundated. Municipal staff are asked to monitor potential drainage problem areas.

The UTRCA is operating its flood control reservoirs at Fanshawe, Wildwood, and Pittock Conservation Areas to reduce downstream flooding. UTRCA officials will be monitoring the situation closely and will update this bulletin if the conditions change.

The public isÌýreminded to useÌýextremeÌýcaution nearÌýall local waterways.ÌýStream banksÌýmayÌýbe slippery and unstable,Ìýand the water isÌýveryÌýcold and fast-moving.ÌýAny ice cover will be weakened and unstable.ÌýIce on flood control reservoirsÌýisÌýespecially hazardous due to fluctuating water levels.

Stay out of any flooded areas and do not drive through flooded roadways.ÌýCaregiversÌýare reminded to keep children and pets away from watercourses.ÌýIt is not safe to take shelter along riverbanks or in low lying areas that are prone to flooding.

• See Thames River water levels and flows
• Types of flood bulletins
• Find out how the UTRCA manages floods

Water Levels to Rise with Warm Temperatures and Rain this Week

Watershed Conditions Statement – Flood Outlook (2026 Flood Event 3, Bulletin Number 1)

Issued at: March 4, 2026, at 12:00 pm,ÌýValid until: March 10, 2026, at 12:00 pm

ÌÇÐÄÖ±²¥ (UTRCA) staff conducted a snow survey on Monday, March 2, which reported an average of 50-70 mm of water content in the northern portion of the watershed, and 15-20 mm in the southern portion. The snowpack is melting and releasing water as warm temperatures arrive.

Current forecasts call for relatively light intensity rainfall beginning Thursday and continuing into the weekend. While the forecast totals vary (15-35 mm), most forecasts predict 20-25 mm of rainfall, with the majority falling on Thursday. Temperatures are forecast to potentially reach double digits during the day each day and remain above freezing overnight. This forecast will melt most of the remaining snow in the watershed.

The UTRCA expects water levels to begin gradually rising with the warm temperatures and melting snow, with the highest flows in most water courses likely occurring late Friday and into Saturday. Water levels are expected to remain elevated into next week. Forecasts also show more rain in the middle of next week, which will keep levels high for longer, should it materialize.

While the UTRCA does not expect serious flooding beyond low lying areas that traditionally flood, officials will be watching the situation closely and will provide an update if the situation changes. The UTRCA is operating its flood control reservoirs at Fanshawe, Wildwood, and Pittock Conservation Areas to reduce downstream flooding.

Municipal staff are asked to monitor potential drainage problem areas where snow and ice may have covered catch basins. Smaller rural watercourses and ditches may have been drifted in by snow which can block flows during a runoff event, backing up water onto adjacent land or roadways and causing localized flooding.

The public is reminded to use extreme caution near all local waterways. Stream banks may be slippery and unstable, and the water is very cold and fast-moving. Any ice cover will be weakened and unstable. Ice on flood control reservoirs is especially hazardous due to fluctuating water levels.

Stay out of any flooded areas and do not drive through flooded roadways. Caregivers are reminded to keep children and pets away from watercourses. It is not safe to take shelter along riverbanks or in low lying areas that are prone to flooding.

• See Thames River water levels and flows
• Types of flood bulletins
• Find out how the UTRCA manages floods

Streams and Rivers Continue to Rise

Watershed Conditions Statement – Water Safety

2026 Flood Event 2, Bulletin Number 2Ìý(Issued at February 20, 2026, at 7:00 am; Valid until February 25, 2026, at 12:00 pm)

This week’s above freezing temperatures and rain have started melting the snowpack in the Upper Thames River watershed. So far, the area has received about 10 mm of rain, with daytime temperatures rising above 0° Celsius but generally remaining below 6° C and returning to freezing or below overnight.

Five to 15 mm of rain is still in the forecast with similar temperature patterns as seen during the week, before cooler temperatures return Sunday. These conditions will continue to erode the snowpack and cause water levels to rise further.

The ÌÇÐÄÖ±²¥ (UTRCA) expects water levels to stay elevated over the weekend and into early next week, with watercourses spilling into low lying floodplain areas that typically flood in theÌýspring.

The UTRCA snow survey on Tuesday, February 17, reported an average of 65 mm of snow-water equivalent in the watershed, with higher amounts north of Highway 7. Some of the snowpack is expected to remain at the end of this warming period.

The UTRCA is operating its flood control reservoirs at Fanshawe, Wildwood, and Pittock Conservation Areas to reduce downstream flooding. The UTRCA is monitoring the situation and will report on any changing conditions if necessary.

The public is reminded to use extreme caution near all streams, rivers, ditches, and ponds. Stream banks may be slippery and unstable, and the water is very cold and fast-moving. Any ice cover is weakened and unstable. Ice on flood control reservoirs is especially hazardous due to fluctuating water levels.

Stay out of any flooded areas and do not drive through flooded roadways. Caregivers are reminded to keep children and pets away from watercourses. It is not safe to take shelter along riverbanks or in low lying areas that are prone to flooding.

• See Thames River water levels and flows
• Types of flood bulletins
• Find out how the UTRCA manages floods

Warm-up Expected to Cause Elevated Water Levels

Watershed Conditions Statement – Flood Outlook

2026 Flood Event 2, Bulletin Number 1Ìý(Issued February 15, 2026, at 6:00 pm; Valid until February 20, 2026, at 12:00 pm)

A warm-up with rain forecast over the next several days is expected to cause runoff and elevated water levels in watershed rivers and streams.

A low-pressure system has entered the region and is forecast to remain throughout the week, bringing with it 20-30 mm of rain and daytime temperatures above freezing. A snow survey conducted by the ÌÇÐÄÖ±²¥ (UTRCA) on February 2 measured an average of approximately 75 mm of snow water equivalent in the snowpack across the watershed.

The UTRCA expects the warmer temperatures and rain, with saturated ground conditions, to cause runoff into local watercourses. Flood waters are expected to spill into low lying floodplain areas that typically flood in the spring. Flows will remain elevated through next week.

The UTRCA will operate its flood control reservoirs at Fanshawe, Wildwood, and Pittock Conservation Areas to reduce downstream flooding. UTRCA officials are monitoring the situation and will report on any changing conditions if necessary.

Municipal staff are asked to monitor potential drainage problem areas where snow and ice may have covered catch basins. Smaller rural watercourses and ditches have been drifted in by snow which can block flows during a runoff event, backing up water onto adjacent land or roadways and causing localized flooding.

The public is reminded to use extreme caution near all local waterways. Stream banks may be slippery and unstable, and the water is very cold and fast-moving. Ice cover will be weakened and unstable. Ice on flood control reservoirs is especially hazardous due to fluctuating water levels.

Stay out of any flooded areas and do not drive through flooded roadways. Caregivers are reminded to keep children and pets away from watercourses. It is not safe to take shelter along riverbanks or in low lying areas that are prone to flooding.

• See Thames River water levels and flows
• Types of flood bulletins
• Find out how the UTRCA manages floods

Warm-up Expected to Cause Elevated Water Levels

Watershed Conditions Statement – Flood Outlook

2026 Flood Event 1, Bulletin Number 1 (Issued January 7, 2026, at 12:00 pm;ÌýValid until January 14, 2026, at 12:00 pm)

A warm-up with some rain forecast over the next several days is expected to cause runoff and elevated water levels in watershed rivers and streams.

• A snow survey conducted by the ÌÇÐÄÖ±²¥ (UTRCA) on Monday, January 5, measured approximately 50 mm of snow water equivalent in the snowpack across most of the watershed.
• Approximately 15 to 20 mm of rain yesterday (Tuesday, January 6) added more water to the snowpack. Air temperatures have remained just above freezing since mid-day yesterday. Some runoff has been occurring due to the rain and above freezing air temperatures, causing slightly elevated water levels in watershed rivers and streams.
• Temperatures are forecast to remain close to freezing today and overnight tonight, before rising tomorrow (Thursday, January 8) to approximately 5 degrees C in the morning and remaining relatively constant through the day and overnight Thursday night.
• Forecasted temperatures for Friday, January 9, vary widely, with predicted daytime highs ranging from 7 to 12 degrees C. Approximately 10 mm of rainfall is forecast for Thursday/ Friday. Temperatures are forecast to cool overnight Friday with night-time lows near freezing.
• A brief warm-up with an additional 10 mm of rainfall is forecast for Saturday during the day before returning to more seasonal below freezing temperatures overnight Saturday.

The UTRCA expects the warmer temperatures and rain to cause continued and increasing runoff into local watercourses. Similar to last week, flood waters are expected to spill into low lying floodplain areas that typically flood in the spring. The UTRCA expects flows in upstream areas of the watershed (Mitchell, Stratford, St. Marys, Woodstock) to peak early Saturday. The Thames through London is expected to peak late to overnight Saturday. Flows will remain elevated through next week.

The UTRCA will operate its flood control reservoirs at Fanshawe, Wildwood, and Pittock Conservation Areas to reduce downstream flooding. UTRCA officials are monitoring the situation and will report on any changing conditions if necessary.

Municipal staff are asked to monitor potential drainage problem areas where snow and ice may have covered catch basins. Smaller rural watercourses and ditches have been drifted in by snow which can block flows during a runoff event, backing up water onto adjacent land or roadways, causing localized flooding.

The public is reminded to use extreme caution near all local waterways. Stream banks may be slippery and unstable, and the water is very cold and fast-moving. Any ice cover will be weakened and unstable. Flood control reservoirs are especially hazardous due to fluctuating water levels.

Stay out of any flooded areas and do not drive through flooded roadways. Caregivers are reminded to keep children and pets away from watercourses. It is not safe to take shelter along riverbanks or in low lying areas that are prone to flooding.

• See Thames River water levels and flows
• Types of flood bulletins
• Find out how the UTRCA manages floods