Grab your umbrellas and put on your raincoats because Metro Vancouver is in for a very wet weekend as an atmospheric river will impact the region.
According to Environment and Climate Change (ECCC) meteorologist Bobby Sekhon, the heavy rainfall is expected to start on Wednesday and continue through to next week.
“We’re heading into a very active pattern with multiple weather systems of varying degrees of strength over the next seven days,” he told Daily Hive.
ECCC
“A weakening atmospheric river is sliding down the coast, bringing some rain and winds gusting to 40 km an hour starting on Wednesday.”
“Tomorrow the showers continue, with gusting winds up to 50 km an hour in the morning and afternoon.”
Sekhon adds that strong gusts will continue on Thursday overnight and into Friday, with another system coming to the region and a chance of a rainfall warning for some areas of Metro Vancouver.
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“There will be moderate to heavy rainfall starting on Friday in rain-prone areas like the North Shore and eastward into Coquitlam and Maple Ridge. Low-lying areas can expect 20 to 40 mm, while there is a potential for rainfall warnings in others.”
According to Sekgon, ECCC’s criteria for issuing a rainfall warning are 50 mm in 24 hours.
He also reminded Metro Vancouver residents to keep storm drains clear of fallen leaves and debris to avoid water pooling on the roads.
“With winds coming in, trees are more susceptible to damage, and there may be power outages,” he added. “So keep emergency kits handy, with flashlights, batteries, warm clothes, and food. Better to be prepared.”
ECCC is forecasting a cooldown in Metro Vancouver temperatures for the upcoming weekend, with cold air and systems coming into the region. Drivers and travellers heading into B.C.’s interior may also see some snow along some routes.
Daytime high on Sunday, Oct. 26 is just 9°C while overnight lows will drop to just 5°C to wrap up the weekend.
If you’re looking for some fun indoor things to do around Vancouver, check out our list of 20 fantastic things to do this week. There are art events, comedy and theatre, and more to discover.
