Three-day deluge begins to wane in B.C. but next storm already in sight

Digital WritersThe Weather Network

Published on Oct. 15, 2021, 2:08 PM

Updated on Oct. 17, 2021, 3:17 PM

Southern B.C. will finally see a reprieve from the unrelenting rain Sunday, but there won't be much time to dry out as another system eyes a mid-week impact.

The prolonged period of heavy rain is finally winding down across the South Coast Sunday, allowing for the region to experience a couple days of sunshine to start this week. Some areas have already seen nearly 150 mm of rainfall since Friday, with 20-30 mm still to come for some locales Sunday. The break from the rain will be short-lived, however, as the next multi-day rainfall event is already lining up to make an impact starting Wednesday. More on what’s left of the current storm and what's ahead, below.

SUNDAY: RAINFALL BEGINS TO WANE AFTER EXTENDED SOAKING

Sunday will be the final day of what has been an extended deluge for B.C., thanks to an potent atmospheric river funnelling in waves of Pacific moisture through multiple systems tracking ashore.

Since Friday, Squamish has seen the most rainfall -- accumulating 146 mm. Other notable totals include 76 mm in Port Alberni, 73 mm in Vancouver and 48 mm in Whistler, among others.

The rain will finally ease up in the afternoon, but not before an additional 10-15 mm drops on the Lower Mainland, with higher amounts locally north of Metro Vancouver.

BEYOND: BRIEF IMPROVEMENT, BUT UNSETTLED PATTERN SOON RETURNS

Beyond the weekend, we’ll see a dry start to the week before the next storm system rolls ashore for mid-week. The next potent trough will deliver a couple of storms from Wednesday through the end of the week. The strongest winds look to hold off until next weekend, which could be hazardous following the prolonged stretch of rain.

It is too early for exact rainfall totals, but 70-100 mm by end of the week is certainly not out of the question.

Freezing levels should stay above 2000 metres for this week, then dropping in the wake of the forthcoming bout of rainfall.

Forecasters are also watching the potential for Vancouver to reach 15°C for the first time during October. A more active pattern is expected to return for the final week of the month.

Be sure to check back for the latest updates on this stormy set-up in B.C.