The record-breaking heavy rainfall has bloated the North Saskatchewan River, seen here extremely high at the Capilano Park boat launch. Taken on Friday, June 26, 2026, in Edmonton. Greg Southam-Postmedia Photo by Greg Southam /10112069A

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Edmonton’s record rainfall cup runneth over, though it’s not a blessing for some.

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Saturday precipitation recorded by Environment Canada at Edmonton Blatchford was more than 36 millimetres, bringing the total for June to roughly 240 mm, far exceeding the previous 216.5 mm record for the month, set way back in 1914.

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And June is not yet over, with Sunday’s rain tally still to be calculated. Environment Canada also forecasts sun for Monday and Tuesday but those remaining June days still hold a chance of 30 per cent rain.

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So in all things wet and wild, Edmonton is still poised to crack the city’s rainfall record for a single month set back in July of 1901 when 282 mm fell.

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Then it may all be over but the crying, with highs of 22 C forecast for Canada Day on Wednesday, July 1, as well as on Thursday, July 2.

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Well, there may be more crying Thursday night and into Friday, with both threatening a 60 per cent chance of rain.

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The city on Sunday remained under an ‘orange’ severe weather alert for rainfall, with Environment Canada warning that the weekend could bring between 40 mm and 70 mm of rain to Edmonton, Sherwood Park and St. Albert.

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Orange ‘severe’ weather alerts are issued when conditions carry risk of “significant damage, disruption, or health impacts,” a step up from Environment Canada’s ‘hazardous’ yellow warning, with impacts said to be “moderate, localized and/or short-term.”

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Water woes continued for some Sunday, as the City of Edmonton issued another traffic alert due to flooding, this time lanes being reduced on Gateway Boulevard at 51 Avenue. Drivers were warned the closure could affect the Monday commute.

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On Saturday, meanwhile, part of Yellowhead Trail was shut down for several hours due to flooding. Heavy rain in May previously caused part of the roadway to be closed due to flooding.

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High stream flow advisories in the region also remained in effect Sunday. Trails more prone to erosion have been flooded and shut down. On Thursday, the City of Edmonton shut down the east sidewalk of the High Level Bridge due to slope instability near the southeast side of the bridge.

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The record rain has also put a damper on outdoor activities and prompted Epcor to remind citizens to stay away from storm water ponds and avoid driving through flooded roads.

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While no water restrictions are currently in place, Epcor encourages limited water use in an effort to not overwhelm the drainage system. Anyone experiencing or witnessing drainage issues can call 780-412-4500 to report it.

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