Atmospheric river slams Metro Vancouver as snow lurks in forecast
Don’t put away your umbrellas just yet, because the forecast for Metro Vancouver this week is calling for plenty more rain. And snowfall may be around the corner.
Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) has issued a yellow-level weather alert for a frontal system that began soaking B.C.’s South Coast on Sunday and continues into Monday, Dec. 15.
According to ECCC meteorologist Brian Proctor, Metro Vancouver is under the influence of an atmospheric river, colloquially known as a “Pineapple Express.”
ECCC
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“We’re seeing a really interesting trend of more seasonally expected weather, Proctor told Daily Hive. “The atmospheric river will improve through the afternoon for Metro Vancouver, and into the late afternoon for the eastern Fraser Valley.”
We’re also seeing a freezing level about 2500 metres, so still lots of rain.”
The latest storm comes just days after “historic” flooding caused evacuations and road closures in the Fraser Valley.
Several areas in B.C. have been hit hard by the current rainfall, including Squamish, which has received 135 mm of rain, Port Alberni, which received 76 mm, and the Fraser Valley, which received nearly 40 mm of rain so far.
Jaromir Chalabala/Shutterstock
Snow may also be on the way for the Vancouver forecast as ECCC is calling for a chance of flurries this weekend.
“As daytime highs fall back, the freezing levels drop,” explained Proctor. “Right now, the precipitation is rain with snow at higher elevations.
“Later this week, there is mixed precipitation in the overnight hours, so possibly some snow, especially in the higher terrain. But not a huge amount.
ECCC said that the daytime average for the region is about 6˚C, with overnight lows about 1˚C. However, some lower temperatures could be coming for Christmas week.