Severe storm threat spreads across B.C., with risk of hail, rain and winds
An active weather pattern will impact British Columbia Thursday, resulting in a significant risk of severe thunderstorms. There will be the potential for large hail, heavy rainfall and strong winds across the South Coast and Interior regions.
A shifting weather pattern brings a thunderstorm risk to British Columbia on Thursday.
Thunderstorms are forecast across Vancouver Island, the Sunshine Coast and the Lower Mainland on Thursday. Some areas could see severe storms, which will bring the potential for hail, downpours and strong winds.
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While the rain is welcome news for the wildfires, there is a risk of dry lightning, which could spark new blazes.
Thunderstorm risk returns on Thursday
A perfectly positioned, low-pressure system spins just offshore of Vancouver Island on Thursday. Its counterclockwise rotation may send bands of heavy rain and embedded thunderstorms up the Strait of Georgia.
As storms collide with the North Shore, extra topographic lift and moderate thunderstorm energy may result in heavy downpours, strong winds and two- to three-centimetre-sized hail.
The highest probability of severe thunderstorms seems to be during the evening hours.
The evening commute could be affected by sudden downpours, so motorists will need to brace for slower travel times.
More rain in the region is generally good news since conditions have been drier than normal since April.
The fire danger remains high in parts of the Lower Mainland and extreme in parts of the southern Interior. The rain will likely lower these ratings ahead of the weekend.
Possible rare occurrence for Vancouver: The last time the airport recorded a thunderstorm was on Nov. 17, 2024.
A few showers may linger into Friday, but the skies should clear up for the weekend across southern B.C.
Stay tuned to The Weather Network for the latest forecast updates for B.C.