Metro Vancouver's December forecast doesn't include festive weather.
Environment Canada meteorologist Armel Castellan tells V.I.A. the next two weeks of the month include several storms, although locals can expect some breaks in between systems.
"We're looking at a really active [storm] period," he says, noting that the region's past couple of months have been predominately wet.
The Lower Mainland experiences an average of 30 to 40 atmospheric rivers annually but this year might be closer to 50. While the atmospheric river that coincided with the Oct. 19 B.C. provincial election was the most damaging, several other potent systems have left thousands of BC Hydro customers without power or caused localized flooding.
Saturday, Dec. 14's windstorm may have caused a massive mudslide on the Sea-to-Sky that damaged property; a person is still missing and a body was discovered following the devastating event that blocked the route between Vancouver and Whistler.
An atmospheric river is expected to produce over 50 mm of precipitation in under 24 hours starting late Tuesday morning. Environment Canada will likely issue a rainfall warning ahead of the event. However, the system isn't expected to be as potent as October's. Hourly rainfall rates aren't expected to be as high and the event will end early Wednesday morning, explains Castellan.
Metro Vancouver weather forecast includes several storms
Following Tuesday's event, Wednesday should see a reprieve from the rainfall. Thursday's forecast includes a pulse of midday rain but it won't meet rainfall warning criteria.
The weekend also looks wet, with rainfall picking up on Friday night and continuing through the weekend.
"Next week there are a couple of juicy-looking systems that could cause power outages," he comments, adding that locals won't see many dry days before Christmas.
"[The forecast looks] pretty stormy and goes right past Christmas."
Castellan says weather models indicate the stormy pattern should persist past Boxing Day until about Dec. 28. After that, a ridge of high pressure may "quiet things down" and provide a drier hiatus for New Year's Eve festivities. However, end-of-the-year events are too far ahead for weather models to provide correct forecasts.
For now, the meteorologist advises locals to prepare emergency kits, clear storm drains and gutters, and wear warm, waterproof clothing.
"The rest of December will be wet."
Stay up-to-date with hyperlocal forecasts across 50 neighbourhoods in the Lower Mainland with V.I.A.'s Weatherhood.
