Blue skies are coming to Metro Vancouver and they'll be sticking around for a while.
The clouds are expected to leave the city Wednesday, Aug. 20, and a "pretty robust ridge" of high pressure is predicted to build over the region, bringing several days of sunshine and warm temperatures.
"Pretty much through to the middle of next week we're seeing a continuation of this [ridge of high pressure]," Environment Canada meteorologist Matthew Loney tells V.I.A.
It may be the longest period of clear skies and above-average temperatures so far this summer.
Thursday is forecast to see highs of 22 C (about normal) as the last of the cloud is pushed out of the region.
On Friday, the ridge of high pressure will be stronger, at the surface and upper atmosphere levels. It's expected to last into the middle of next week.
"It may linger beyond, but it's difficult to say," Loney says.
Throughout that period, temperatures near the shore are forecast to hit 25 C and inland areas may reach 30 C.
"For the Fraser Valley, I think the low 30s might be the ceiling for this event we're forecasting," Loney says.
Given only small fluctuations are expected in the ridge, it's unclear which day may be the warmest as temperatures should be stable with only small fluctuations, he adds.
While temperatures will be warm and above average, at this point Loney says Environment Canada won't be issuing a weather alert, but they are watching data as it comes in.
In order for an alert to be issued, the weather agency requires the region see "temperatures of 29 C for consecutive days and an overnight low of 16 C," Loney explains.
However, due to the longer nights this time of year, the overnight temperatures are expected to drop and offer relief to Metro Vancouver residents. Lows for the next seven days are expected to fall as low as 14 C.
"Temperatures at night should be fine for opening the windows and getting some relief," Loney says.
That said, those out enjoying the sunshine should be prepared for the sun, he adds, with sunscreen and other ways to block the sun's rays.
Stay up-to-date with hyperlocal forecasts across 50 neighbourhoods in the Lower Mainland with V.I.A.'s Weatherhood.
