Metro Vancouver forecast stays hot and dry; rain remains uncertain

Metro Vancouver is expected to remain dry and slightly warmer than seasonal through next week, with no significant rain system in the immediate forecast.

A ridge of high pressure has brought several dry days following rain over the August long weekend. Wildfire smoke produced heavy haze Tuesday, and Metro Vancouver’s air-quality advisory remained in effect Thursday because smoke was reducing visibility and worsening conditions.

Environment Canada meteorologist Philippe Alain-Bergeron said the haze could linger Thursday evening before clearer skies return across much of the region Friday. Thursday’s high is forecast near 24 C on the coast and 30 C inland, with humidity making it feel closer to 27 C and 32 C. Friday may feel as warm as 29 C on the coast and 33 C inland.

A mix of sun and cloud is expected through the weekend and into next week, with overnight lows near 15 C and coastal daytime highs around 22 C to 23 C. Some forecast models suggest a wetter pattern could begin next Thursday, but Alain-Bergeron said they are not in agreement and longer-range precipitation forecasts remain uncertain.