Environment Canada has issued a special weather statement for Stratford and Southern Perth County, warning of heavy rainfall this weekend, April 4-5, 2026. A weather system known as a Colorado low is expected to bring between 25 and 50 millimetres of rain to the region, with the highest amounts forecasted for Saturday evening and Saturday night.
The Upper Thames River Conservation Authority, which monitors the Avon River flowing through Stratford, is urging residents to stay away from waterways. The authority has issued multiple flood bulletins since late February 2026 due to repeated rain and spring melt conditions. Local officials are reminding the public that streams and rivers can rise quickly following heavy rain, as seen in April 2025 when local waterways experienced rapid increases in flow.
To manage rising water levels, the conservation authority operates flood control reservoirs at the Fanshawe, Wildwood, and Pittock Conservation Areas. These reservoirs are used to help reduce the risk of flooding in communities located downstream during periods of high water.
The weather is expected to change significantly after the storm passes. While temperatures are set to reach a high of 15°C on Saturday, they will drop sharply over the weekend, falling to below freezing by Sunday night. Environment Canada notes that there is a chance of flurries once the colder air moves in.
Regional authorities are closely watching the situation, as the Grand River Conservation Authority has also issued a flood watch for the neighbouring watershed. Historically, the upper Thames area has been prone to flooding during the spring months, with significant events recorded periodically over the last century.
