Keep your umbrella handy--or possibly a snorkel.
Environment Canada has issued a rainfall warning for Metro Vancouver that calls for up to 30 mm of rainfall this morning.
In a special weather statement, the national weather forecaster notes that heavy rain is expected Wednesday (Dec. 30) morning.
Total amounts of up to 30 mm is expected as a Pacific frontal system continues to bring heavy rain as it moves across the south coast.
The rain is forecast to ease to showers this afternoon. However, a low-pressure system is expected to give a further 10 to 20 mm of rain later tonight.
Rainfall warning in effect for:
- Metro Vancouver - central including the City of Vancouver Burnaby and New Westminster
- Metro Vancouver - North Shore including West Vancouver and North Vancouver
- Metro Vancouver - northeast including Coquitlam and Maple Ridge
- Metro Vancouver - southeast including Surrey and Langley
- Metro Vancouver - southwest including Richmond and Delta
Environment Canada adds that "Heavy downpours can cause flash floods and water pooling on roads. Be prepared for possible winter conditions at higher elevations."
La Niña Winter
The Canadian Government defines La Niña as "the appearance of cooler than normal waters in the eastern and central Pacific Ocean"—A.K.A. the waters off B.C.'s coast. Sometimes also referred to as "a cold event", the climate pattern is generally considered to be the opposite of El Niño, and is usually great news for skiers and snowboarders hoping for a season full of champagne powder.
"This year we have entered into a linear pattern and it's almost 100% going to stick around for December, January, and February--and beyond. It's a moderate to strong La Niña and with that, what we call a teleconnection is when it's going to actually impact us here in B.C.," says Castellan.
While La Niña was identified back in August, it didn't have a significant bearing on local weather at that time. But mid to late December onward, B.C. will likely see colder than normal temperatures, with a much higher level of certainty than Environment Canada will normally give for seasonal projections, Castellan explains. After that, the pattern is expected to continue into spring.
Read more here.
--With a file from Megan Lalonde.
