Early spring hits Ottawa with record-breaking heat

Ottawa hit record-breaking temperatures on Saturday, giving residents a taste of spring leading up to St. Patrick’s Day.

The temperature hit 14.8 C at the Ottawa International Airport at 3 p.m., the warmest temperature recorded so far this year.

It’s also the hottest March 15 since record-keeping began at the airport in 1939.

The previous record was 14.3 C set in 2010.

Temperatures are only expected to get warmer, with Environment Canada predicting a high of 19 C on Sunday.

Special weather statement in effect

A special weather statement is in effect with rainfall amounts of 10 to 15 mm. The weather agency says rain is expected to begin Sunday morning or afternoon and move out of the area by the evening.

“Localized flooding in low-lying areas and water pooling on roads are possible,” reads the statement.

“The frozen ground has a reduced ability to absorb this rainfall.”

A flood watch for the North Gower area has been issued for this weekend by the Rideau Valley Conservation Authority (RVCA).

“There is going to be elevated water levels as well as the elevated flows,” said Isabelle Maltais, Director of Watershed Science and Engineering at the RVCA. “So, we ask the residents to be cautious.”

The Authority says no significant flooding is expected at this time, but localized flooding is a possibility. Excessive snowmelt and runoff this weekend could also lead to flooding in low-lying areas such as ditches and stormwater areas.

Weather forecast

On Saturday, the weather agency calls for mainly sunny skies, becoming a mix of sun and cloud in the afternoon. A low of 7 C and a 30 per cent chance of showers are expected for tonight.

Sunday will see a high of 19 C, a 40 per cent chance of showers in the morning and early in the afternoon with showers and a risk of thunderstorm in the afternoon.

The weather agency is also calling for wind south 30 km/h gusting to 60. A low of 0 C and showers are anticipated overnight.

On Monday, the capital will see a high of 2 C and cloudy skies. A low of -9 C and clear skies are expected overnight.

The normal temperatures for this time of year are a high of 3 C and a low of -7 C.