Raincouver is in full effect this week, and Vancouver is in store for lots of rain and potentially some snow over the course of the week.
Environment and Climate Change Canada reissued its “significant” rainfall and snowfall warning this morning, calling for up to 50 mm of rain. The heaviest amounts are expected across the North Shore and northeast Metro Vancouver.
The rainfall warning applies to most of Metro Vancouver, including the City of Vancouver, Burnaby, New West, the North Shore and the Northeast, including Coquitlam and Maple Ridge.
Prolonged wet conditions in the region are due in part to a frontal system that’s crossing the south coast. ECCC says that the system is “bringing rain and lowering snow levels to some areas.”
“Rain has developed across the North Shore overnight and will spread to other parts of Metro Vancouver this morning,” ECCC said in its warning that was issued at 5 a.m.
While Metro Vancouver has seen lots of rain over the course of this winter, the region hasn’t seen much snow. However, the weather warning also calls for potentially significant snowfall accumulations over higher terrain.
Areas of higher terrain in Metro Vancouver could see wet snow late this morning with the potential for around 5 cm of it. There’s also the chance for more wet snow over higher terrain on Wednesday morning.
ECCC also expects it to be windy in Metro Vancouver tonight, with gusts of up to 50 km/h near the Strait of Georgia. The wind is expected to die down near noon.
ECCC’s forecast is listed with “high confidence.”
After the next 24 hours, it’s more wet stuff with the forecast showing no signs of it letting up.
ECCC
“Snowfall over the recreational zones of the North Shore mountains is expected to be significant. Be prepared for winter driving conditions,” ECCC adds, while also warning of potential travel delays if you’re driving due to water pooling on roads in low-lying areas.