Thunderstorm risk, showers in Vancouver forecast as temperatures ease

Vancouver’s forecast is shifting from recent sunny, warmer weather to cooler, greyer conditions with several opportunities for showers and thunderstorms.

Environment and Climate Change Canada forecasts a risk of thunderstorms Thursday and Friday afternoon. Highs are expected to top out near 20 C, while overnight lows are expected to average about 13 C.

The chance of showers is forecast at 30 per cent Thursday evening, 40 per cent Friday and 60 per cent Saturday, raising the prospect of a wet weekend.

The report also cites an early OpenSnow outlook suggesting much of B.C. could see below-average snowfall this winter because of warmer temperatures and a more southerly storm track. That outlook is based on comparisons with past strong El Niño seasons and seasonal model data.