B.C.: Heavy rain leads into unsettled period for coast

Digital WritersThe Weather Network
Digital Writers

Rainy weekend ahead of an unsettled and chilly period for B.C. coast

The rainy season will live up to its name on a soggy Saturday for much of British Columbia's Central and South coasts. A system set to send snow levels plunging by the start of the new workweek is the culprit and may make for tricky travel conditions both along the coast and parts of the Interior. We take a look at what you need to know before you hit the road, below.

Visit our Complete Guide to Winter 2019/2020 for an in-depth look at the Winter Forecast, tips to plan for it and a sneak peek at the spring season next year


WEATHER HIGHLIGHTS

  • Periods of heavy rain this weekend for Vancouver Island, Lower Mainland, South Coast

  • Snow levels falling through early week, Coast Mountain snow likely, low elevation snow possible

  • Stay up-to-date on the ALERTS in your area


PERIODS OF HEAVY RAIN LEAD INTO UNSETTLED PATTERN

The rain was already creeping down the Central coast and Vancouver Island by early Saturday morning and, with the bulk of the moisture still offshore, this is only a sign of things to come this weekend.

While the Lower Mainland can expect a dry start to the day, showers will be on the way in by mid-afternoon, with the heaviest of the rain set to fall there overnight into early Sunday.

BCRAIN

This push of Pacific moisture will give temperatures a boost for the weekend, both along the coast and through the southwestern Interior. With cold air entrenched in some Interior valleys, however, that warm air sliding in at elevation brings with it the threat for some freezing rain, mainly through the morning and early afternoon. Environment Canada has issued special weather statements cautioning drivers along the Coquihalla and Okanagan Connector to be aware of potentially slippery conditions.

BC TRAVEL

Freezing levels will generally be above 2,000 metres for the Coast Mountains on Saturday, meaning this system will bring some alpine snow, but not cause much trouble for mountain pass travellers.

That changes as we head into the new week, however, and cold air filters down the coast behind this weekend's system.

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"By Monday, Arctic air reaches the B.C. coast, and it might be enough to stir up some strait-effect snow showers for eastern Vancouver Island, but significant uncertainty exists," says Weather Network meteorologist Tyler Hamilton. "Temperatures nearly 10 degrees below normal can be expected for much of next week."

BCMONNIGHT

Wet snow showers are also possible overnight Monday into Tuesday for parts of the Fraser Valley and maybe even into the fringes of Vancouver's eastern suburbs. Be sure to check back with The Weather Network for your latest forecast updates.

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