Well, they’re clearly not dead. And I doubt that they could be overwatered from rain alone. In fact, if anything, the mix in the top picture looks quite dry. I would give them a thorough soaking and if it rains again I’d make sure the plants were out in it. Ants will not harm ivy directly but if they nest in the pot they might cause roots to dry out by their tunnelling.

This time of year there's so many ants out and about and I saw them all along the branches and leaves, they must like the sap.. it really scared me! I'm a beginner and still have a lot to learn. I thought they were overwatered because the entire plant started to yellow, but its sister pot looked normal and green. It's been a few days though, and hopefully it will benefit from the pruning.. I'm gonna soak it now, thank you for your input!!

Ants don’t eat sap. They may be attracted by aphids if there are any on your plants.