Spring continues to bring fluctuating weather patterns for the Tri-Cities, but even stronger conditions could be inbound.
Environment Canada meteorologists are predicting a wave of forceful winds and lots of rain over the next 48 hours or so, and are encouraging residents to take extra measures if they choose to head outside.
As a result, a special weather statement has been issued by the national service as of 11 a.m. today (May 16) for areas of Metro Vancouver that include Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody, Anmore and Belcarra.
The alert says wind could gust above 20 km/h at minimum thanks to a "unseasonably strong low pressure system" that could arrive by tomorrow night (May 17).
Up to 70 mm of rain is expected at higher elevations and even heavy snowfall could accumulate in the mountains.
"As the cold front passes, winds will shift to strong and gusty westerlies or southwesterlies Wednesday morning (May 18), impacting western Vancouver Island, and potentially Qualicum, Victoria, Lower Mainland and the Fraser Valley," reads Environment Canada's statement.
"There is some uncertainty in the exact track of the low pressure centre. This will impact which communities see the strongest winds."
Experts warn that more certain alerts could be issued if the storm moves into the Tri-Cities.
The region's current forecast is calling for a high of 13 C on Tuesday and 10 C on Wednesday with periods of rain and some sunny breaks.
Coquitlam's gauge atop of Burke Mountain recorded more than 125 mm of rain halfway through the month of May, including 24 mm on Sunday (May 15), 26 mm on May 12 and 29 mm on May 5.
The last time Coquitlam recorded more than 50 mm of rain in a single day was April 3; the monthly accumulation was 149.8 mm.
