Inversion could make Metro Vancouver feel as warm as 27 C this weekend

Metro Vancouver’s daytime highs are forecast to hover around 19 C to 20 C this weekend, near the seasonal average, according to Environment Canada meteorologist Terri Lang. Inland temperatures could reach 24 C on Friday, Sept. 18, several degrees warmer than areas near the water.

A weak ridge of high pressure is trapping moisture at low levels through an inversion, Lang said. Low clouds and fog banks beneath the ridge could make daytime temperatures feel as warm as 26 C or 27 C with humidity over the weekend.

The ridge is expected to remain through the weekend and into Monday before beginning to break down next week. A low-pressure system now over the Gulf of Alaska could start affecting the region Tuesday or Wednesday as it moves down the coast, although its exact timing remains uncertain.

The Lower Mainland is expected to receive precipitation for several days, though it is not expected to be heavy. Models suggest sunshine may return heading into next weekend after the system moves out, but an unsettled ocean flow could still bring intermittent light showers.