A changing weather pattern is set to bring a thunderstorm risk to British Columbia on Thursday.
Thunderstorms are expected to develop across Vancouver Island, the Sunshine Coast, and the Lower Mainland. In some areas, storms could reach severe levels, carrying the risk of hail, heavy rain, and strong winds.
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While the rain is welcome news for the wildfires, there is a risk of dry lightning, which could spark new blazes, as well.
Baron – BC Thursday evening lightning potential – July 16
Widepsread thunderstorm risk Thursday, chance of heavy downpours and large hail
A low pressure system spinning just offshore of Vancouver Island on Thursday is expected to send bands of heavy rain and thunderstorms into the Strait of Georgia.
Baron – BC atmospheric pattern – July 16
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These storms, enhanced by topographic lift along the North Shore, may bring heavy downpours, strong winds, and hail up to 2–3 cm in size.
The highest chance of severe thunderstorms is during the evening.
Baron – BC thunderstorm forecast Thursday – July 16
By Friday, the thunderstorm risk will shift north of Vancouver, but remain over Vancouver Island and the Interior, with the potential for severe storms.
Slight tornadic activity is possible in the northern Interior, and sudden downpours could affect the evening commute.
Baron – BC thunderstorm risk Friday – July 16
While the rain may disrupt plans, it brings some relief to the region following drier-than-normal conditions since April. Fire danger ratings, currently high in the Lower Mainland and extreme in parts of the southern Interior, are expected to improve ahead of the weekend due to the rainfall.
Notably, if thunderstorms occur at Vancouver International Airport, it would be a rare event. The last recorded thunderstorm at YVR was in November 2024.
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Showers may linger Friday, but skies are expected to clear across southern B.C. for the weekend.
Stay tuned to The Weather Network for the latest forecast updates for B.C.
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