Edmonton records second-wettest June as rain keeps falling

Edmonton has already recorded 189.9 mm of rain as of early Monday, tying for the second-wettest June on record, with eight days still remaining in the month.

Environment and Climate Change Canada meteorologist Chloe Katsademas said the city is "definitely possible to even potentially surpass" the record of 216.5 mm set in 1914. Several rainfall events have stacked up this month: a storm at the beginning of June dropped about 55 mm, scattered showery days each brought around 10 mm, and the latest system dumped approximately 95 mm over two days.

The heavy rain pushed Edmonton's stormwater system to capacity over the weekend, prompting an Alberta Emergency Alert Sunday evening for Edmonton, St. Albert, Stony Plain, and Beaumont. The alert warned of localized flooding and sewer backups in neighbouring communities. EPCOR, the city's water utility, received more than 600 calls for service Sunday about water pooling and flooding.

Residents are being asked to restrict non-essential water use immediately: limit showers and baths, delay laundry and dishwasher use, and ensure sump pumps and downspouts are functioning properly. According to EPCOR, "what seem like small steps or inconveniences can be the difference in helping neighbours avoid flooding and sewer backups."

There is some relief in sight Tuesday through Thursday, with drier and sunnier conditions expected. However, another low-pressure system is forecast to develop Friday, bringing another round of showers into the weekend and possibly into next week.