Wildfire smoke and rain are expected in Metro Vancouver weather as August begins. Temperatures will drop slightly before warming up again by the weekend.
BC Day, on Monday, August 4, will bring cloudy skies and average temperatures. Meteorologist Yimei Li says the day will look like Sunday. It may start cloudy, but the sun could come out later. However, the sun will look hazy because of wildfire smoke drifting in from Washington.
Wildfires just south of the border are sending smoke north. The air may smell smoky, but no official warning is expected. The smoke won’t be thick enough to cause serious health risks. A high of 22°C is expected on Monday.
The smoky conditions will stay on Tuesday, August 5. The wind will carry more smoke into the Metro Vancouver area. The smoke could spread further until rain starts to fall. Light rain is forecast for midweek. There’s a small chance of rain on Tuesday and a stronger chance on Wednesday.
A weather system from northwest B.C. is moving toward the south. It will mostly affect the interior of the province, but Metro Vancouver could still get some rain. The system is expected to bring about 5 mm of rain between late Tuesday and early Thursday.
The expected rain will help clear the smoke and cool the air. Daily highs will range from 20°C to 22°C between Tuesday and Thursday. Overnight temperatures will stay between 14°C and 16°C. Even though the rain will cool the days, the cloud cover will trap some heat at night.
Rain is expected to peak on Wednesday and slow down by Thursday. By Friday, the weather will start to warm up again. A high-pressure system will build up and bring dry, sunny days. Temperatures may rise into the high 20s by the weekend.
There is still some uncertainty in the weekend forecast, but Li says a warming trend is likely. The heat may peak early next week. The return of dry weather could also bring back the risk of wildfire smoke.
The early part of August is showing a shift in Metro Vancouver weather. After a stretch of hot and dry days, this short period of rain will offer some relief. It also helps reduce the wildfire threat in the region.
This forecast shows how fast things can change during summer. One day it’s smoky and hot, and the next it’s cloudy and cool. Residents are advised to check for updates daily and stay aware of changing weather and air quality.
People spending time outside on BC Day should be ready for mild smoke and possible clouds. Light outdoor activity is still safe, but sensitive groups like young children and the elderly should limit their time outside if the air smells smoky.
This week’s pattern of smoke, clouds, and showers reflects a typical August in B.C. While the rain will not be heavy, it is enough to cool the air and clear the sky.
As always, local officials recommend staying informed. The best way to handle shifting weather is to stay flexible and be ready for both rain and sun. With Metro Vancouver weather changing quickly, it’s a good idea to plan both indoor and outdoor options for the week ahead.
