In Abbotsford, it’s forecasted to reach up to 23 C, just under the record of 25 C.
The upcoming forecast is “a bit of a gift,” according to Environment Canada meteorologist Jennifer Kowal.
Clouds will keep the city grey for the end of the week, she says, but a sunny streak is expected to start this weekend and last for several days.
Thursday and Friday (Oct. 1 and 2) will be mostly cloudy with a scattering of showers, as a system passes north of Vancouver. Highs around the seasonal average of 16 C are expected both days, with nights dropping down to 11 C.
Warm ridge to bring sunny skies
A ridge of high pressure may be the most popular thing to come to Canada from the U.S. in some time, at least in B.C.
And, it’s tariff-free.
“That ridge is going to steer away anything coming next week,” says Kowal.
The ridge already exists and is pushing the aforementioned system north of Vancouver. By the weekend it’ll have moved north, creating blue skies and sunny days for several days.
The streak is expected to last at least through Monday, with temperatures peaking around 18 C each day in Vancouver. Sunday, Oct. 4, is expected to be the warmest day.
“It could be a little bit warmer inland,” explains Kowal. “If it’s sunny for enough days and the earth is able to hold onto that heat, we could see temperatures inland a couple of degrees warmer.”
In areas of Metro Vancouver further East, like Surrey and Langley, temperatures could break the 20 C barrier.
In Abbotsford, it could reach up to 23 C, just under the record of 25 C.
Kowal notes that while the mercury may reach up and touch 19 C in Vancouver, it won’t stay there very long. The maximum heat is expected between 2 and 4 p.m. each day, but that will drop quickly after.
“I’ve noticed it myself: people staying out for the sunset, because it’s earlier,” she says. “But the temp goes down so fast once the sun leaves at this time of year.”
Temperatures will likely drop down to 10 C each night, as there will be no cloud cover to keep the heat in.
Dry, warm weather could continue next week
Next week the ridge is expected to keep serious weather away for a while. Some cloud cover may move in on Tuesday and Wednesday, but Kowal says that it should still be relatively sunny, dry and warm. Temperatures could still hit 18 C in Vancouver.
“It doesn’t really look like there’s any significant weather until maybe Thursday and Friday (Oct. 8 and 9),” she says.
Even then, the models aren’t agreeing on what will happen.
The sunny streak is unusual for early October, as Vancouver normally experiences a more active weather pattern after the fall equinox.
“Because of this nice weather we’re having, all I can say is: enjoy it,” she says. “We’re getting into the time of year with more active weather.”
“Take advantage of the nice weather.”