Metro Vancouver’s Thanksgiving Weekend Forecast: Sunshine Before Rain

The weather forecast for Metro Vancouver promises clear skies and elevated temperatures as the Thanksgiving long weekend approaches. Environment and Climate Change Canada anticipates sunny conditions with temperature highs of 15°C on both Friday and Saturday. However, the sunshine is expected to give way to rain on Sunday, with temperatures reaching 17°C, followed by potential showers on Monday, with highs of 16°C.

In related developments, winter sports enthusiasts may find encouragement from recent snowfall at Whistler Blackcomb. Dane Gergovich, a spokesperson for Vail Resorts, the owner of Whistler Blackcomb, confirmed that the ski resort received nearly 14 centimeters of snow over the past weekend. This follows an unusually warm previous winter season, partly attributed to a strong El Niño, which affected several ski resorts.

Meteorologists indicate that the El Niño phenomenon is transitioning to La Niña, which often leads to colder than average temperatures. According to Environment Canada‘s outlook, British Columbia’s South Coast might experience a wetter and cooler season. Meteorologist Armel Castellan noted that while La Niña typically brings cool, rainy weather to the Pacific Northwest, its impact increases snowfall at higher altitudes usually after Christmas.

Environment Canada meteorologist Matt Loney added that temperatures in the region are currently several degrees above seasonal averages, which typically see highs of 14°C and lows of 7°C. “As we get into next week, we return to what you would expect for this time of the year, with a series of systems driven by a fast jet stream from the central Pacific Ocean,” stated Loney.

While organized periods of rain are anticipated for the following week, no atmospheric rivers with heavy rain are currently expected. Loney mentioned that major weather patterns like atmospheric rivers could generally be predicted seven to ten days ahead, but forecast accuracy diminishes beyond a seven-day forecast. “Halloween is three weeks away, so there’s nothing we can say with certainty,” Loney observed, pointing out the reliability of climatology for temperature forecasts over precipitation events.

In the meantime, residents of Metro Vancouver are encouraged to enjoy what is projected to be a final taste of summery weather before the onset of the fall storm season.