The sunny spell will be short-lived in the Lower Mainland as another storm brings widespread precipitation on Wednesday, March 26.
Environment Canada meteorologist Lisa Erven told V.I.A. a ridge of high pressure kept conditions warmer than average and dry on Tuesday, with temperatures reaching the mid-upper-teens at Vancouver International Airport (YVR).
It also tied for the second warmest March 25 on record, according to the department's historical climate data.
That trend won't last, though.
Sunshine and a daytime high of 16 C are expected today, but that will break down in the afternoon. As a cold front moves into the region, an unsettled atmosphere will produce a risk of thunderstorms starting around noon to 1 p.m.
Metro Vancouver weather forecast includes a special weather statement
Widespread heavy showers are expected around 8 p.m. or 9 p.m., with 15 to 25 mm of precipitation expected in Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley. There is also a possibility of hail and more thunderstorms.
Environment Canada has issued a special weather statement, warning locals of "possibly strong" thunderstorms and "heavy downpours." There is also a chance of winds gusting up to 70 km/h.
Drivers should look out for water pooling on roads and any sudden reduction in visibility due to heavy rain.
Large hail (2 cm or greater) is also possible in areas near the U.S. border, such as Langley Township, Aldergrove, and Abbotsford.
Showery pattern to continue through the start of April
Erven says the region will remain in a showery pattern for the remainder of this week, through this weekend, and into the first week of April. However, some intermittent sunshine may break up the dreary forecast.
"We have a broad area of low pressure that will park itself over Western Canada," she explains. "And we'll have individual low-pressure systems rotating counterclockwise in the region."
The most notable upcoming storm, Erven notes, is the March 26 system. It will bring the highest precipitation, thunderstorms, and wind.
The meteorologist cautions that spring is a dynamic season, and any type of weather is possible, including late-season cold events such as snow.
Environment Canada's climate data from 1991 to 2020 shows trace snowfall amounts under 2 cm at YVR for an average of 0.12 days in April. For March, the probability for snowfall is significantly higher, with 0.84 days of under 2 cm, 0.24 days of under 5 cm, and 0.04 days of under 10 cm.
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