A series of storms will bring moisture and warmer temperatures to the Lower Mainland over the next week.
Environment Canada Meteorologist Chris Doyle tells V.I.A. that an unstable westerly flow will bring a system in off the Pacific from the northwest, bringing periods of rain to the region overnight Tuesday, Feb. 18 and through Wednesday.
Although it may have originated in the north, the system's trajectory acclimated the system to the Pacific Ocean's characteristics. When it arrived on the B.C. south coast, the modified maritime air mass produced temperatures close to seasonal.
"Today's temperatures are slightly above average at 8.6 C - the average is 8 C," he notes.
As the storm moves inland, it will begin to dissipate and a weak trough will persist through Friday, featuring showers and periods of rain.
Metro Vancouver weather forecast includes a second storm
Another storm is expected to arrive Friday from the southwest, bringing "moister and warmer" weather to the Lower Mainland.
On Saturday, heavier precipitation is expected and rainfall warnings may be issued, especially for areas like West Vancouver and North Vancouver. In Vancouver, 40 mm of rain must fall in 24 hours to meet the criteria.
The heavy rain is expected to continue overnight Saturday and into Sunday and start to dissipate on Sunday night. Monday's forecast includes some showers but locals may expect a few dry days as a ridge of high pressure replaces the low-pressure system.
"The models indicate some ridging," he notes. "And we could have slightly warmer than average temperatures through the end of February."
Stay up-to-date with hyperlocal forecasts across 50 neighbourhoods in the Lower Mainland with V.I.A.'s Weatherhood.
