Pineapple Express brings quick blast of heavy rain to southern B.C.
Heavy rain will impact the B.C. coastline through the weekend, with the risk for some localized flooding
Rain returns to southern British Columbia, with some heavy totals expected for the first part of the weekend. That's as thousands of Taylor Swift fans flock to Vancouver for the end of the singer's 2024 Eras Tour. You may want to leave some extra time for travel, with localized flooding a threat for some of the harder-hit areas heading into Saturday.
This short lived Pineapple Express will bring a widespread 40-70 mm of rain to the Lower Mainland, with higher totals possibly exceeding 100 mm for West Vancouver Island. A rainfall warning has been issued for the region.
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"Heavy downpours can cause flash floods and water pooling on roads," says Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) in the warning. "If visibility is reduced while driving, slow down, watch for tail lights ahead and be prepared to stop."
Those in affected areas are also urged to watch for possible washouts near rivers, creeks and culverts.
A 'Pineapple Express' is the name given to a potent band of tropical moisture that can target the coast from B.C. to California. It's an example of what's known as an atmospheric river—one of Earth's 'conveyor belts' that move heat and moisture from the Equator toward the Poles.
DON'T MISS: What is a 'Pineapple Express'?
The Pineapple Express is one of the most famous of these rivers because it can have a powerful impact.
Temperatures will be very mild aloft for the start, so rain is expected for most of the South Coast ski areas through Friday. But snow levels will quickly drop to near or just below 1500 m, and then end up near or below 1000 m into Saturday.
Primarily snow, as well as some ice, are expected for the central and southern Rockies through the day on Saturday.
Fair weather is expected through the first half of next week, but a couple of significant low pressure systems are likely later in the week and next weekend. A somewhat colder pattern is expected during mid-December, with the potential for more beneficial snow for ski areas.
WATCH: What is a Pineapple Express?
Be sure to check back for the latest forecast details across B.C.
