A wet pattern returns to British Columbia this weekend, bringing both heavy rain and powerful winds across the province through Sunday. For some areas still reeling from the deadly impacts of the recent atmospheric river event, this upcoming forecast with days of rain could seem rather daunting.
While there could still be localized flood threats and the risk for power outages as strong winds pick up, this weekend’s system is not expected to be as impactful. Regardless, it’ll be important to remain weather-aware and stay alert to the changing conditions and warnings in your area at all times.
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The hardest-hit areas along the north and central coast are likely to see 75-125 mm of rain from this multi-day event. Meanwhile, the Lower Mainland is in line for closer to 20-50 mm by Sunday.
The major difference with this system in comparison to the last will be the stronger winds. Gusts are forecast to reach between 70-100 km/h, which could result in travel delays and power outages. Wind warnings are now in effect, including Metro Vancouver and Victoria.
Rain and winds pick up Friday night through Sunday
After a mostly fair and dry week across B.C., the wet pattern will return for the weekend, continuing well into next week, as well. These back-to-back systems will bring additional rain, but no potent atmospheric river events are expected.
On Friday, two low-pressure systems will merge off the coast, bringing widespread rain to coastal sections of the province. The heaviest of the rain will begin late Friday and will persist through much of the weekend, with no real chances for dry breaks in between.
Between 75-100 mm of rain will fall across the north and central coast, as well as along Vancouver Island’s higher terrains and the North Shore Mountains, by Sunday. A swath of 20-50 mm is likely for the Lower Mainland, while Victoria can expect just 5-30 mm, thanks to the rain-shadow effect once again.
Port Coquitlam is forecast to receive up to 60 mm of rain, likely a relief compared to the 290 mm that fell from last weekend.
Localized flooding will be a concern in areas that see the heaviest rain totals.
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Risk for power outages with strong wind gusts
The major difference with this system compared to last week’s is that while the rainfall totals will be less, the wind gusts will be much stronger.
Wind gusts of 80-100 km/h are forecast along the central and north Coast, including Haida Gwaii, through Saturday.
In the south, gusts of 60-80 km/h are forecast in the Juan de Fuca and Gulf Islands, and southern Victoria. Southern coastal sections of the Lower Mainland, including White Rock and Delta, can expect to see winds gusting between 50-70 km/h.
There’s an elevated risk of power outages with wind gusts and well saturated soils, as well as travel impacts, including ferry delays or cancellations.
Temperatures will be near seasonal or on the cool side of seasonal as we head into next week.
Be sure to check back for the latest weather updates across B.C.