Environment Canada warns of heavy rain, up to 80mm, for parts of B.C.’s south coast

People walk through a puddle in Robson Square on a rainy day in Vancouver, on Saturday, January 4, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Ethan Cairns

Environment Canada has issued a rainfall warning for parts of Metro Vancouver as well as the lower Sunshine Coast and Howe Sound regions.

The weather agency says a frontal system that’s “unseasonably” laden with moisture is expected to cross British Columbia’s south coast on Friday.

It says the system is forecast to bring strong winds and rain that will become heavier throughout in the day, with up to 80 mm expected at higher elevations.

The bulletin says the rain is expected to taper off in late Friday on the Sunshine Coast and after midnight across eastern Metro Vancouver.

Environment Canada is warning the heavy rain could push water levels up for rivers and creeks, and anyone in or around waterways should stay alert.

B.C.’s River Forecast Centre has also issued high streamflow advisories for a number of regions along the south coast, including the North Shore of Metro Vancouver, northern Fraser Valley, Whistler and Pemberton.

Environment Canada says in its statement that there is potential for limited visibility during the downpours, which will be heaviest during the Friday afternoon commute.

The agency says water pooling on roadways will raise the risk of hydroplaning.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Aug. 14, 2025.