Want to see an "Atmospheric River"? Just take a look outside your window between Friday morning and Saturday night in Metro Vancouver.
The rain that began Friday (Oct. 15) morning in Metro Vancouver is going to stick around until mid-weekend, soaking the region in what Canada's meteorological agency is calling "a long episode of heavy rain."
A rainfall warning is in effect for much of Metro Vancouver, affecting the following areas:
- Metro Vancouver - central including the City of Vancouver Burnaby and New Westminster
- Metro Vancouver - North Shore including West Vancouver and North Vancouver
- Metro Vancouver - northeast including Coquitlam and Maple Ridge
Additionally, the rainfall warning covers Howe Sound and the Sunshine Coast (Gibsons to Earls Cove) regions.
"Two successive frontal systems will cross the south coast between today and late Saturday night, with high water content associated with an Atmospheric River flowing off the Pacific Ocean," explains Environment Canada in its rainfall warning.
"As freezing levels rise to near 2500 metres, snow melt will also add to the runoff. Swelling of local streams and localised flooding are likely during this time."
Rainfall totals are predicted to be in the 90 to 150 mm range, with the highest amounts expected for Howe Sound and Metro Vancouver's North Shore.
Friday's temperature should hit a daytime high of 12 C, while Saturday we should see it reach 13 C. After the deluge, Metro Vancouver is likely to see more periods of rain Sunday, leading into a couple of days of mixed sun and cloud.
