Environment and Climate Change Canada is predicting a shift in Vancouver’s weather after a bluebird day on Friday. The timing is tricky, as thousands upon thousands of people are set to pack downtown Vancouver this weekend.
A special weather statement has been issued for Metro Vancouver and Howe Sound, including Vancouver, Surrey, White Rock, and Langley. Heavy winds and up to 50 mm of rainfall are expected.
“A frontal system will arrive on Saturday, bringing periods of heavy rain and strong winds to the south coast. Over Howe Sound and Metro Vancouver, light rain will start Saturday morning and become heavier near noon,” the statement reads in part.
“As precipitation intensity increases, snow levels could lower to near 150 metres resulting in heavy rain becoming mixed with wet snow over higher terrain of Metro Vancouver during the Saturday afternoon to evening period.”
While that is expected to impact driving conditions and lead to pooling water in some areas, the statement is not a warning, and the forecast doesn’t call for a repeat of October’s incredibly damaging rainstorm.
But this still might lead to some soggy festivities as Vancouver hosts the 111th Grey Cup on Sunday. Events are already underway leading up to the big game, and the majority of them are outside. There are also two Canucks home games back-to-back this weekend.
For those relying on the ferry to get to the games on Sunday, the experts suggest the winds will gust to 70 km an hour over the Strait of Georgia and Boundary Bay but will calm after Saturday night.
To read more about traffic closures this weekend in Vancouver, head here.