61-year-old rainfall record broken in Metro Vancouver

Heavy rainfall fell in Metro Vancouver throughout much of Tuesday, to the extent that it set a new historic record.

According to Environment Canada, a total of 29.6 mm fell at the main weather station at Vancouver International Airport (YVR), beating the previous record of 25.1 mm set on the same day in 1959.

As of 4 am Wednesday, rainfall amounts ranged between 40 to 70 mm to as high as 90 mm along the North Shore and in Coquitlam.

So far this month, 180.2 mm of rain has been recorded at the YVR weather station.

Heavy rainfall warning continues through Wednesday

The downpours began on Sunday when the first slow-moving moist frontal system from Pacific moved in.

After yesterday’s event, the federal weather agency says more rainfall is expected today. The heavy rainfall warning was extended this morning, with the expectation of rainfall amounts of between 15 and 25 mm as another system arrives.

Rainfall amounts of between 15 and 25 mm can be expected Wednesday. A short reprieve from the wet weather is forecasted for tomorrow.

Spring snow in the mountains

It’s not all bad. While the city has been pummelled with rain, the local mountains have been receiving ample new snow that could extend optimal skiing conditions by weeks.

48 Hour Snow Accumulations

• Cypress Mountain: 83 cm
• Grouse Mountain: 60 cm
• Mount Seymour: 96 cm
• Whistler Blackcomb: 28 cm