British Columbia has been staying out of the limelight for the past week and a bit, with much of the focus turning to the tropics. However, attention will be turning back to B.C. this weekend as a problematic atmospheric river takes aim at the the province’s coastal regions.
An area of low pressure will drag a plume of tropical moisture toward B.C.’s coast on Saturday, ensuring that everyone gets their share of rainy weather over this Thanksgiving weekend.
This atmospheric river, rated AR4, will pack a punch to parts of the province that are still sopping from heavy rains over the past month.
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With the ground already so saturated from recent heavy rains, folks could see some ponding on roadways and low-lying areas. As with any heavy rainfall event as well, localized flooding is a risk to be on the lookout for.
Luckily, folks in the Interior will be shielded from the rain by a ridge of high pressure of the region.
After already receiving 500-700 mm of rain since mid-September, the Bella Bella area as well as Prince Rupert will be in for another 100-150 mm of rainfall over the weekend. A cold-front associated with the low pressure system to the north will drag in the rain showers, at times heavy, Saturday and Sunday.
Blustery winds will also add to the problematic nature of this atmospheric river, with the wind being funneled between Haida Gwaii and the central coast. Gusts will be between 60-90 km/h Saturday morning, diminishing only slightly later in the afternoon.
Be prepared for travel disruptions if you are heading north for the weekend, as roads could become slick from the rain, and keep an eye on local alerts.
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The gusting winds in combination with heavy rains could also result in localized power outages on Saturday.
The plume of tropical moisture will sink to the south on Sunday, bringing the potent rain to B.C.’s coastal mountains and west Vancouver Island.
Tofino will likely see 50-75 mm of rain, while the region between Tofino and Port Hardy could see 75-100 mm of rainfall by Monday. The rainfall will be heaviest throughout Sunday afternoon, before the system sinks further south again to bring showers to the lower mainland on Monday.
Behind this system, temperatures will begin to drop early next week to the low-teens.
Stay with The Weather Network for more forecast information and updates on your weather across B.C.
