British Columbians should brace for an "extreme amount" of rainfall over the weekend, according to a new report.
In a forecast issued Friday, Nov. 12, The Weather Network calls for an extremely wet weekend on the west coast as a "moisture-laden atmospheric river" brings an excessive amount of moisture to the region.
Since it originates in Hawaii, the rare weather event is dubbed a "pineapple express." It is expected to bring a whopping 100 to 200 mm of rainfall to the Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island from Saturday evening to Monday evening.
Environment Canada has already issued a weather statement for the Metro Vancouver region, noting that "a series of moisture-laden systems" associated with the weather pattern will produce significant rainfall locally.
Before the heavy rainfall commences, The Weather Network notes that there will be a "brief lull" following a week of tempestuous weather.
"An atmospheric river will start to impact the coast by Saturday evening. In this particular case, we will be tapping into moisture originating from the Hawaiian islands, hence a Pineapple Express," says Jessie Uppal, a meteorologist at The Weather Network.
While the heavy rainfall is expected to continue until Sunday night, there may also be some precipitation Monday, albeit significantly lighter.
Report authors note that the "freezing levels will soar above 2000 metres by Sunday and will coincide with the highest amounts of moisture" but that most people won't see snow with levels this high. That said, "travellers in the highest mountain passes should be mindful."
