Heavy rain forecast for Lower Mainland prompts rainfall warning
Up to 60 mm of rainfall is expected in parts of Metro Vancouver and southwest B.C. on Sunday, forecasters say
Environment Canada has issued a rainfall warning due to heavy rain in parts of Metro Vancouver and southwest British Columbia on Sunday.
Up to 60 millimetres of rain could fall on Metro Vancouver's North Shore and northeast sections, as well as the Fraser Valley including Abbotsford, the forecaster said.
The rain, which began Sunday morning, is set to intensify late in the afternoon before easing on Monday, according to the statement.
Environment Canada said the heavy rain could cause flash floods and water pooling, as well as localized flooding in low-lying areas.
Metro Vancouver issued an advisory warning of high river flows on the North Shore's Capilano and Seymour rivers due to the storm on Sunday.
"Those recreating near either river during this time, including within Capilano River Regional Park, should use extreme caution," the regional district said in a Sunday statement.
Metro Vancouver is urging hikers to stay on designated trails and not enter rushing rivers under any circumstances.
While it is expected to be cool in the days ahead, forecasters warned that "above normal" temperatures are set to hit B.C. this summer.
"We will stay in cooler temperatures for another six or so days before we go into a heat event next weekend or late next week and likely remain in warmer probabilities for the rest of the month," said Armel Castellan, a meteorologist with Environment Canada.
According to Castellan, northwest B.C. and the central Interior have seen a "fairly normal" spring so far with more precipitation than usual in May, while the northeast region has faced a major rainfall deficit.
June's weather outlook indicates a probability of below-normal precipitation across the B.C. Interior as the month unfolds, according to Environment Canada.