Heavy rains for the Lower Mainland lead to weather forecast

Environment Canada has issued a special weather advisory warning of heavy rainfall on Sunday in parts of Metro Vancouver and southwestern British Columbia.

Up to 60 millimetres of rain could fall on the North Shore and northeastern Metro Vancouver, as well as on Howe Sound and in northern parts of the Fraser Valley, including Abbotsford, the meteorologist said.

The rain will begin on Sunday morning and intensify in the late afternoon before easing on Monday, the statement said.

According to Environment Canada, the heavy rainfall could cause flash floods and water accumulation, and local flooding could also occur in low-lying areas.

According to Environment Canada, up to 60 millimetres of rain could fall in the Vancouver metropolitan area on Sunday. (Ben Nelms/CBC)

Although cool weather is expected in the coming days, meteorologists warn that “above normal” temperatures are expected in British Columbia this summer.

“We will have about six more days of cooler temperatures before a heat wave hits next weekend or late next week, and temperatures are likely to remain warmer for the rest of the month,” said Armel Castellan, a meteorologist with Environment Canada.

Castellan said spring has been “fairly normal” so far in northwestern British Columbia and the central interior, with more rainfall than usual in May, while the northeastern region has struggled with a significant rainfall deficit.

Meteorologists warn of “above-average” temperatures in British Columbia this summer. (Justine Boulin/CBC)

According to Environment Canada, weather forecasts for June indicate that below-average rainfall is expected in interior British Columbia throughout the rest of the month.

In addition to the special weather advisory warning of heavy rain, a smoke cloud warning is also in effect for much of northeastern British Columbia, including Fort Nelson, due to wildfire smoke.

The bulletin said smoke in the region was likely to be isolated and downwind of active fires, and people were urged to limit their time outdoors.

The BC Wildfire Service said there were 108 active fires in the province as of 2 p.m. PT Saturday, most of them in the northeast.