Grab your raincoats: A much needed pattern flip is coming to B.C.
Rainy, seasonal conditions are heading back to British Columbia this week, helping to relieve the province of its rain deficit
The end to February's cold start is finally coming, British Columbia.
After weeks of below-seasonal temperatures—-thanks to a blocking pattern that left the West Coast in a ridge of high pressure—-we're finally seeing the pattern start to break down, opening the gates for warmer, moisture-packed air to return to the coast.
So far this year, B.C. has been in a rain deficit, with January only receiving 33 per cent of its average monthly rainfall. So far, February has only seen 14 per cent.
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Now, in the second half of the month, we're looking at back-to-back systems that will bring rain and milder temperatures to the province.
Wednesday through Thursday: Temperatures climb and rain falls
Rain will begin along B.C.'s coast during the early hours of Wednesday, becoming heavy at times throughout the day and through Thursday.
We're looking at 10-20+ mm of rain for Vancouver and the rest of the Lower Mainland through Wednesday and Thursday, while Vancouver Island gets hammered with 30-50 mm. Victoria, on the other hand, has the benefit of geography in its side, with the surrounding mountains helping to limit the city's rain totals to 5-10 mm.
Winds will also begin to pick up on Wednesday morning along the straits, gusting to over 70 km/h by the afternoon. This could result in some ferry delays due to waves and power outages due to damaged trees and power lines.
The weekend: Temperatures continue climbing, and rain makes a second appearance
Another plume of atmospheric moisture will reach the South Coast by the weekend, further increasing rain totals in Vancouver and western Vancouver Island.
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There is the possibility that this second system could bring a weak atmospheric river with it. While the atmospheric river would be fairly weak, periods of heavy rainfall would become more likely over the weekend.
Daytime highs in Vancouver are also expected to reach 10°C by the weekend—the first time the city has seen double-digit temperatures since Dec. 28, 2024.
The warm air will also be transported to higher altitudes as it spreads eastward over the Prairies, so we could even see some ski areas receive a bit of rain as well.
Stay with The Weather Network for more forecast information and updates on your weather across B.C.