It looks like Victoria Day will be a rainy holiday.

As of 9 a.m. on Monday, Environment Canada Meteorologist Sara Hoffman says the Saskatoon has already received 20 millimeters of rain.  She expects an additional 30 millimeters of rain this afternoon and into the evening.  Widespread rainfall accumulations of around 50 mm are expected by Tuesday evening, with localized heavier amounts up to 75 mm in a few localities.  Hoffman explains we should notice the rain begin to weaken later this evening and overnight.

Hoffman says a big band of rain pushed north from Montana and set-up over the Saskatoon and North Battleford areas.  She says it’s not moving as quickly as it was before, and has stalled over the Saskatoon area, which has led to the heavy amounts of rain.  Hoffman says usually with this sort of system she expects to some very localized, low lying area flooding.  “Things like storm drains will raise up, sometimes streets will get a little bit flooded if they are prone to that, or parking lots. We’re just expecting those things that commonly flood, not the things that rarely flood.”

Hoffman explains a rainfall warning is either issued when 50 millimeters of rain or more is expected in 24 hours.  Warnings can also be issued if the same amount of rain is expected within one hour.

Hoffman expects a ridge of high pressure to come in mid-week bringing sunny and stable conditions but cooler than normal temperatures.  She says it could be five to ten degrees cooler than normal well into next weekend.