A ridge of high pressure will keep skies clear and temperatures increasingly warmer through Saturday, April 5, in the Lower Mainland. However, the rain is expected to return before the weekend is up.
Environment Canada meteorologist Derek Lee tells V.I.A. that locals should expect temperatures to feel right around seasonal on Thursday, reaching a high of 12 C and a low of 4 C at Vancouver International Airport (YVR).
The weather will start to warm up on Friday, with a daytime high of 15 C expected. Saturday's forecast includes an even warmer high of 16 C, with inland temperatures climbing up around 19 C.
Unfortunately, folks looking for clear skies through Saturday may be let down. Lee says the clouds are expected to roll in around noon, although conditions will stay dry.
"The ridge is breaking down faster, so we aren't getting our extended sunshine," he tells V.I.A.
Still, locals should expect a mix of sun and cloud on Saturday, providing the best chance to enjoy cherry blossoms and outdoor activities this weekend.
The Metro Vancouver weather forecast includes stormy weather
An onshore flow off the Pacific is expected to roll in on Sunday, producing 10 to 30 mm of precipitation through Monday morning. While the department has a high degree of confidence in a wet weather event, exact rainfall amounts remain uncertain, Lee explains.
After a bit of a break on Monday afternoon, another weak pulse of rain is expected to produce 10 to 20 mm of precipitation through Tuesday.
Lee says more showers are possible on Tuesday and Wednesday; places at elevations above 1000 meters may even receive snowfall.
Non-threatening, isolated thunderstorms are also possible next week, Lee adds. These events may produce gusty winds, small hail, and lightning but generally aren't severe. However, they could damage delicate pink flowers in bloom across the region.
Thankfully, the south B.C. coast is spared severe thunderstorms, thanks to mountainous terrain and the influence of the Pacific Ocean, which moderates temperatures.
Stay up-to-date with hyperlocal weather forecasts across 50 neighbourhoods in the Lower Mainland with Weatherhood.
