Residents in Stratford should prepare for a risk of thunderstorms moving through the area tonight, April 15, 2026, as a warm weather system brings significant rainfall to southern Ontario.
Environment Canada has issued a special weather statement for the region, cautioning that a line of nocturnal thunderstorms is expected to develop overnight into Wednesday morning. These storms may bring frequent lightning, heavy downpours, and the possibility of small or large hail.
The Upper Thames River Conservation Authority has also issued a flood bulletin that remains in effect until April 20. Officials warn that the ground is already near saturation from previous rainfall, which limits the earth’s ability to absorb more water. Consequently, residents can expect water to pool on local roads and in low-lying areas.
The current weather is unseasonably warm, with temperatures running about 10 degrees above normal for this time of year. While these conditions are more typical of late May, the combination of heavy rain and saturated ground brings renewed attention to the area’s history with the Avon River, which has historically been prone to flooding during periods of intense precipitation.
