Western Canada's rain-starved regions finally see some hopeful signs
A much needed cooler and active weather pattern is expected in British Columbia and Alberta in the coming days
Widespread showers and thunderstorms are forecast to develop across much of B.C.’s Interior and Alberta late this week and continue into the weekend.
While exact totals for rain and locations are uncertain at this time, there is high confidence for some prolonged wet and cool weather, which could provide relief to some wildfire-affected areas.
Rain relief spans B.C. and Alberta starting on Thursday
An upper-level low moving in from Alaska is setting the stage for cooler temperatures and the return of wet weather to parts of western Canada.
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Starting Thursday, a boundary will develop over the Rockies, bringing rain and isolated thunderstorms to B.C.’s South Coast, Interior, northern regions, and much of Alberta. Alberta’s foothills could see stronger thunderstorms develop.
This weather pattern is expected to linger for several days, eventually expanding eastward into Saskatchewan by the weekend.
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Significant rainfall totals may impact B.C.’s Peace Region, which could provide much-needed relief for large, uncontrolled wildfires in the area.
Both B.C. and Alberta have experienced below-average rainfall so far this month.
At Vancouver International Airport, rain is forecast Thursday for the first time in 12 days. However, exact rainfall amounts and affected locations remain uncertain and could fluctuate in the coming days.
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Mid-June provides a key opportunity for the region to receive much-needed rainfall. While some wildfire-affected areas may fall short of the amounts required to fully address the ongoing challenges, many regions experiencing active wildfires are expected to see substantial rainfall. This could support firefighting efforts and lower the risk of new fire outbreaks.
In addition to helping wildfire-prone areas, the rain is anticipated to be widespread across agricultural zones in the southern Prairies, offering much-needed moisture for crops that have been affected by dry conditions.
Stay updated as the pattern evolves, and prepare for a wet, cool end to the week in many regions.