The rainfall deficit for many areas in British Columbia (B.C.) is finally coming to an end as the weekend approaches. A shift in weather patterns is bringing much-needed rain showers and thunderstorms to the region.
For B.C.'s Sunshine Coast, this signals the beginning of one of the wettest patterns of the summer. This is great news for the state of the wildfires burning across the province and for improving air quality, but it does heighten the risk of localized flooding.
This weekend marks the first substantial rain of the month for the South Coast, with rainfall totals likely to compete with those from late July. The forecast suggests there's more rain on the horizon as the next week progresses.
Starting Saturday night and spilling over to Sunday, the rain will return to the South Coast. A deepening low-pressure system off the West Coast is moving in, bringing moist and unstable air to the Strait of Georgia.
Heavy, steady rainfall is expected to develop across the Lower Mainland, the Coastal Mountains, and Vancouver Island. While the precise localization of the heaviest rain remains uncertain, rates could reach as high as 5-10 mm per hour.
This pattern will create some of the most intense rain the region has seen all month. Remarkably, just 19.8 mm of rain at Vancouver Airport would surpass the total rainfall recorded throughout July.
Accompanying the downpours will be thunderstorms, which could add to the overall precipitation totals. Initial estimates predict 10-30 mm of rain for the Lower Mainland, with heavier amounts likely to accumulate at higher elevations.
On Vancouver Island, including the capital city of Victoria, rainfall totals of 5-20 mm are anticipated. Fire danger ratings around the area are currently high or extreme, making the incoming rain especially welcome for those impacted by wildfires.
This rainfall not only stands to benefit evacuees and those facing air quality concerns but also helps those under moderate drought conditions. Residents are encouraged to stay alert and stay tuned for the latest weather updates.
