Risk of thunderstorms across the Lower Mainland, special weather statement in effect

If you’re hoping to make use of the warmer temperatures and head outside on Wednesday, don’t forget to bring your rain jacket.

1130 NewsRadio meteorologist Michael Kuss explains that the cloud cover will begin to roll in across the Lower Mainland around midday.

“And the risk of thunderstorms goes up through that midday stretch,” he said.

“[It will be] a lot more active though this evening, after sunset. So, if you’re planning an outdoor stroll, even your evening dog walk between around nine and after midnight, it could really be coming down in pockets,” Kuss explained.

Environment and Climate Change Canada has also issued a special weather statement for Metro Vancouver, including Vancouver, Burnaby, and New Westminster, warning of thunderstorms and heavy downpours through the afternoon and evening.

ECCC says wind gusts of up to 70 kilometres an hour could also be felt, along with “small hail.”

“The threat of thunderstorms will increase this afternoon as a warm front lifts across the area. After a brief break early this evening, a cold front will bring a widespread risk of heavy rain and thunderstorms to the south coast tonight, lasting into the overnight period,” ECCC said Wednesday.

“The greatest threat from these thunderstorms are strong wind gusts up to 70 km/h, and heavy rainfall rates. There’s a very small chance of large hail (2cm or greater) for areas near the U.S. border such as Langley Township, Aldergrove and Abbotsford.”

That risk of thunderstorms ramps up again on Thursday, Kuss adds, and while it will calm down, it doesn’t “clear out for a couple of days.”

“A low along the coast will affect us for a couple of days, bringing a few on-off showers on Thursday, slightly cooler conditions too,” Kuss said.

Kuss says Wednesday afternoon will be mild, after a warm start, with a high of around 16 degrees.

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