Edmonton region to be deluged by 30-60 mm of rain — possibly setting a new record

Alberta is preparing for another weekend of heavy rainfall, with Environment and Climate Change Canada issuing a special weather statement for Edmonton and central regions predicting 30-60 mm of rain from Friday evening through Sunday.

This forecast comes as Edmonton has already endured an exceptionally wet June. The city has recorded 203 mm of rain so far this month, significantly surpassing its average June rainfall of approximately 70 mm. This year's total already makes it the second-wettest June on record, with a possibility of surpassing the all-time record of 216.5 mm set in 1914.

River forecasters noted that widespread precipitation from June 19 to June 22 delivered 40 to 60 mm across a large area. The regions surrounding Whitecourt and Edmonton received 80 to 100 mm, while Stony Plain and its southern areas recorded up to 125 mm. The ground is already saturated from last weekend's storms, raising concerns about increased overland flooding, road washouts, and potential impacts on infrastructure.

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Another round of rain is expected.

The special weather statement covers a broad area of central Alberta, extending from Edson and Fox Creek in the west to the Saskatchewan border in the east, and from Athabasca and Lac La Biche in the north to Rimbey and Wetaskiwin in the south. Environment Canada is working to pinpoint the areas most likely to experience the heaviest rainfall, which is expected to fall in a narrow band, potentially causing localized impacts.

Rural areas around Edmonton are still contending with overland flooding from the previous weekend, with active Alberta Emergency Alerts in effect for Lac Ste. Anne County, Beaver County, and Tofield. Several river basins, including the North Saskatchewan, Red Deer, and Athabasca rivers, are flowing above normal, with high streamflow advisories in place for areas including Edmonton.

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The area of heaviest rain is forecast to fall in a narrow band, which could lead to more localized impacts than we observed last weekend.