'Significant' snowfall and rain in Metro Vancouver forecast for unsettled week
Don’t let the Monday morning sunshine fool you, because the forecast for Metro Vancouver this week is calling for plenty of rain. And snowfall is closer than you think.
Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) has issued a special weather statement for a strong frontal system that will push into the region starting this evening.
Heavy rainfall is expected to impact Metro Vancouver, with areas at higher elevations warned about snowfall.
Accumulation over the North Shore mountains is expected to be “significant.”
Kenneth Chan
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“We have this weather system coming in from the north to north west from the Gulf of Alaska,” Ken Dosanjh, meteorologist with ECCC, explained to Daily Hive. “When you have a system coming from further north, the freezing level will drop.
“At higher terrain, the heavy precipitation will force snow closer to the surface.”
ECCC warns Metro Vancouver residents and commuters that light to moderate rain is expected to start near midnight.
Rain will intensify into Tuesday morning and will be heavy at times until later tomorrow afternoon.
Total rainfall near the North Shore mountains could reach up to 100 mm, while the central regions of Vancouver could be hit with up to 60 mm of precipitation.
“Higher terrain on the North Shore, the Upper Levels Highways, and Burnaby mountain coud see a couple of cm of snow,” added Dosanjh.
“The total amount will vary depending on how intense the rainfall is. Snow will be at 300-500 metres above sea level.”
ECCC
ECCC is calling for a generally unsettled week ahead for the Metro Vancouver forecast, with wetter-than-normal conditions possible for the start of 2026.
Daytime highs for Vancouver could reach up to 9˚C on Saturday, with overnight lows of just 3˚C on Monday and Tuesday.
Make sure to keep your umbrella and rainboots nearby, as showers and rain dominate the forecast.
Looking for something fun to do around Vancouver this week while staying dry? We’ve got you covered.
Check out our roundup of 20 fantastic things to do in Vancouver from Jan. 5 to 11, including Twice, New Year, New Me, and more.