As the picturesque city of Victoria prepares to bid farewell to the summer season, residents and visitors alike are being advised to keep their umbrellas at the ready.
This week, the capital region is expected to experience a change in weather, with rain in the forecast and even a rare thunderstorm making an appearance.
Meteorologist is describing the thunderstorm as “potential of the decade” and predicts the storm to arrive late Monday night into Tuesday.
Portions of the South Coast are facing the thunderstorm potential of the decade late Monday night into Tuesday. An upper trough nudges into an upper ridge that will spark frequent lightning. For what it's worth, the setup reminds me of July 6th, 2009. #BCStorm pic.twitter.com/A6bpAS0Jeg
— Tyler Hamilton (@50ShadesofVan) August 27, 2023
The day is expected to start off with a generous dose of sunshine, but gradually, the skies will begin to gather clouds.
Late in the morning, cloudiness will increase, and there’s a 60 percent chance of showers during the afternoon.
However, the change comes in the form of a potential thunderstorm in the afternoon—a rare event for this typically mild-weathered region.
In the morning, hazy conditions are anticipated, possibly due to lingering smoke from wildfires across British Columbia.
While winds are expected to be light, reaching 40 km/h near the Juan de Fuca Strait, the high temperature is predicted to reach 21°C, though slightly cooler at 18°C near the strait.
The unsettled weather doesn’t seem to be in a hurry to move along. Rainfall could persist until Thursday, setting the tone for a potentially soggy midweek.
However, a silver lining awaits those yearning for outdoor activities over the long weekend.
Weather experts predict that the rain clouds will part, offering respite and a chance to enjoy the upcoming weekend with clearer skies.
While the weather isn’t the only factor shaping Victoria’s atmosphere, a special weather statement remains in place due to the ongoing impact of smoke from wildfires that have swept across BC.
In recent days, the island has been enveloped in a hazy shroud, with the smoke originating from wildfires in the southern Interior of the province.
This lingering haze has led to localized impacts on air quality, prompting authorities to urge residents to remain cautious and take necessary precautions, especially those with respiratory sensitivities.
As the week unfolds, Victoria’s weather promises a mix of elements—rain, thunderstorms, and persistent wildfire smoke.
While the rain is much needed, let’s hope it is enough to heed off any potential wildfires from lightning strikes expected tomorrow.
