VANCOUVER – A series of tropical waves have moved onto the South Coast in stages since late Wednesday night, bringing heavy rain at times and gusty southeast winds.
Rainfall totals from Environment Canada, starting late Wednesday evening through Friday afternoon, are as high as 150 mm in Squamish, 89 mm in north Courtney on Vancouver Island, and almost 40 mm at Vancouver Airport. In Port Mellon on the Sunshine Coast, 292 mm of rain has been recorded.
Our local ski hills certainly aren’t thrilled with this current weather pattern we’re in. Both Cypress and Grouse Mountain on the North Shore have accumulated over 176 mm in the last 48 hours with more on the way into Sunday.
The other part of this weather story has to do with the mild temperatures we’re experiencing. The air mass, having originated in the subtropics, is moving warm air into British Columbia, pushing temperatures well above seasonal as far north as Central B.C. Several temperature records fell across the south today with the mild air expected to stick around right through next week.
South Coast residents like to joke about not having to shovel the wet stuff, but the weather situation in Northern B.C. is definitely no laughing matter. Unofficial snowfall totals in Kitimat are as high as 117 cm (46 inches), and 94 cm in Terrace. Gusty northeast winds have created a dangerous situation for motorists with blowing snow greatly reducing visibilities. Snowfall warnings remain in effect with further amounts of 60 cm for inland North Coast, and possibly 35 cm for Highway 16 and 97
Two more waves of rain will push in before we can safely enjoy some sunshine. The next wave slides onshore Saturday afternoon followed by heavy rain on Sunday.
Tuesday through Thursday count on a bit of sunshine and with the mild air expected to stick around it will be a nice end to next week.
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