After weeks of smoky skies, Environment Canada lifted the air quality advisory for the Lower Mainland over the weekend.
This week, Vancouverites will want to keep their umbrellas handy; the weather forecast calls for rain or showers every day.
Additionally, the federal forecasting department has issued a special weather statement for Metro Vancouver as the first storm active storm cycle of the fall season moves into the region.
A series of vigorous frontal systems will move across the south coast of B.C. Tuesday night through Saturday and bring periods of heavy rain and strong winds.
Special weather statement in effect for:
- 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
- Metro Vancouver - southeast including Surrey and Langley
- Metro Vancouver - southwest including Richmond and Delta
Rainfall intensity is expected to vary through the day and across regions. Over Vancouver Island, total rainfall amounts over the two-day period will generally range from 15 to 40 mm, with amounts in excess of 100 mm over west Vancouver Island.
For the mainland coast, total rainfall amounts will range from 50 mm to 100 mm over the two-day period. The heaviest rainfall amounts are currently expected over Howe Sound and the North Shore.
This system will also bring strong southeast winds to the west coast of Vancouver Island Tuesday night, with winds of 60 to 80 km/h. As the system progresses, winds across the Strait of Georgia and surrounding regions will peak early Wednesday morning at 50 to 70 km/h.
The combination of heavy rain with leaves on the ground may lead to localized flooding, and strong winds may also lead to power outages.
The wet pattern will continue with more rain expected Friday and Saturday.
Rainfall and wind warnings may be issued as the system approaches.
