The fall and winter months typically bring the most rain to southern B.C., but so far this month, we’ve been seeing a relatively dry December in two of the province’s major cities—Vancouver and Victoria.
On average, Vancouver sees a sopping 172 mm of rain over the month of December, and Victoria sees 137 mm of rain. So far, however, as we enter the middle of the month, the cities have received 20 mm and 22.3 mm of rain, respectively.
This dry spell comes as a stark contrast to the fall months in B.C., when several back-to-back systems brought a deluge of rain to the province.
Over October and November, parts of Metro Vancouver saw over 800 mm of rain—and that wasn’t even the most the province saw!
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While the break in the rainy weather may have been welcome after the washed-out fall, rain is back on tap this weekend as a low-pressure system over the Pacific Ocean makes its way onshore over southern B.C.
First round of rain starts Friday morning
Rain will start Friday morning over the South Coast as the Pacific low inches closer to shore. The rain will continue throughout the day Friday, although folks may see occasional breaks later in the day.
Another round of rain will move in overnight Friday, lasting through Saturday morning as the low finally comes ashore.
Parts of the Lower Mainland could see drier conditions later in the day, but the rain will persist through the evening hours for west and north Vancouver. Victoria will also see the rain persisting through Saturday evening, although the rain will be much lighter than in Vancouver.
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Winds will begin to pick up on Friday as the low approaches the coast, with southeasterly winds gusting to 50-70 km/h. They will remain the criteria for any wind warnings, but folks can expect a choppy ferry ride on Friday.
Once the low moves out of the region late Saturday, a dry pattern will once again take over. This time, however, the dry pattern will be paired with a drop in temperatures. Parts of northern B.C. could see temperatures drop all the way down to the -30s.
Stay with The Weather Network for more forecast information and updates on your weather across B.C.