Dry conditions return to B.C., but more rain chances this weekend
An upper-level trough moving over Western Canada brought some unsettled weather to British Columbia for the early part of the, a welcome change from the relentless heat and dry conditions that have dominated the region this summer. Mostly drier conditions dominate for the remainder of the week, with the next shot at moisture over southern B.C. coming by the end of the week, with weekend shower and thunderstorm risk. More on the rain chances and ongoing wildfires, below.
WEDNESDAY AND BEYOND: DRY CONDITIONS RETURN BEFORE RAIN CHANCES THIS WEEKEND
A ridge building behind the trough will allow conditions to dry out once again across B.C. We’ll see temperatures around seasonal for the remainder of the week.
The lack of consistent rain won't be much help to firefighters battling the ongoing wildfires, but the more moderate temperatures will prevent the kind of excessive drying out that can fuel wildfire risk.
Moisture will return by this weekend, bringing several opportunities for showers and thunderstorms across southern B.C.
POOR AIR QUALITY FROM ONGOING WILDFIRES
Hazardous air quality is still an issue across parts of the B.C. Interior, especially for communities near large wildfires. Fires continue to burn across the province despite the cooler temperatures and the recent rainfall.
The rain will help to clear out some of the smoke, improving air quality somewhat. However, special air quality statements remain in place for the Interior. Northerly winds will blow wildfire smoke into the valleys.
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"During a wildfire, smoke conditions can change quickly over short distances and can vary considerably hour-by-hour," says Environment Canada in the air quality advisory.
As of Tuesday PM, there are 265 fires burning throughout the province, mostly in the Interior. The province has seen more than 1,500 fires so far this year, which is more than double the total number of fires we saw in all of 2020.
Stay tuned to The Weather Network for the latest on conditions across British Columbia.
