The three month rainfall at the weather recording stations in and around the Rideau River watershed was less than 80% of the normal total. This is one indicator threshold for the Level I Low Water Condition. About 42 millimetres of precipitation fell in the last four days of November. Unfortunately, that was almost all that fell through the month. Following the rain that fell in October, nearly three weeks passed when there was virtually no rain at all.

There is some precipitation forecast over the next week but it is not likely to be enough to offset the present deficit. To get out of the Level I Low Water Condition, a generalized rainfall of 20 millimetres over the entire watershed is needed.

Good news is that the increased levels in area waterbodies as a result of the rain last week will make it easier for aquatic animals to find good over-wintering sites. Nonetheless, more rain to raise the moisture levels throughout the watershed would help before winter freeze-up.