Thunderstorm risk rises Wednesday amid spring warm-up across B.C.
Mild air will continue to push the mercury higher in B.C. on Wednesday, giving at least one locale a chance of reaching the 20-degree mark. However, the warmth will also fuel a thunderstorm risk for some areas, including a risk for severe storms
After a potent atmospheric river brought some notable, but not extreme, rainfall totals to parts of B.C. through Monday, the active weather will return on Wednesday, along with some significantly warm temperatures.
The surge of mild air could bring B.C. its first 20-degree reading this year, but it could also generate thunderstorms, including some that could reach severe criteria, amid the rise in convection with the next system. The main hazards will be heavy downpours, large hail and strong winds, but there is a low, but non-zero risk of rotating storms, as well.
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Also on Monday, an avalanche killed three heli-skiers near the village of Kaslo, B.C., RCMP said.
As well, with freezing levels set to rise and an inbound push of warmth Wednesday, the risk for localized flooding is heightened from the recent rain and expected snowmelt.
Warmth and severe thunderstorm risk surfaces on Wednesday
We could end up seeing the first 20-degree day of the season on Wednesday.
Temperatures will sit 5–10°C above seasonal, with Interior highs reaching the upper-teens to near 20°C in Osoyoos.
SEE ALSO: 3 heli-skiers killed in southeastern B.C. avalanche, RCMP says
Vancouver’s warmest temperature so far this year was a daytime high of 14.9°C. Wednesday could exceed that mark, with a comfortable high of 18°C in the forecast.
With the warming temperatures comes a chance for thunderstorms on Wednesday, as well, courtesy of the next offshore low moving in. Parts of the Lower Mainland will be getting some rain paired with a few rumbles of thunder on Wednesday afternoon, but it isn't until later in the day that we will see an increased storm threat.
Locally heavy rainfall, strong winds, small hail, and frequent lightning will persist through the overnight with these storms.
Some of the thunderstorms in southern B.C., from Vancouver Island to parts of Interior, could reach severe limits, with possible large hail, heavy downpours and strong winds as the main hazards. There is also a non-zero, low risk of rotating storms.
Storms will develop and favour higher terrain, but can become organized and move northward Wednesday evening from Washington state.
Freezing levels will spike to 3,000 metres Wednesday, leading to brief but rapid alpine snowmelt before freezing levels return to 1,500 metres by Thursday. The Fraser River at Hope has already risen to 1,200 m³/s, up from 985 m³/s on Sunday.
Heavy rain is forecast for the Fraser Valley with this next system, with heavy snow returning to the alpine regions and ski areas, as well.
After a break on Sunday, an unsettled pattern is expected next week with significant rain totals for the lower elevations and coastal areas, and beneficial snow for the alpine regions and ski areas, including the Rockies.
Very warm for the Lower Mainland region in the short range, but temperatures will trend back to near seasonal for the second half of the week and into the weekend, followed by colder-than-normal weather for early April.
Stay with The Weather Network for all the latest on conditions across B.C.