Coastal British Columbia, Canada, is forecast to receive its first substantial rainfall in several weeks, with an atmospheric river predicted to bring 20–40 mm (0.8–1.6 inches) to the Lower Mainland and more than 50 mm (2 inches) to higher elevations between August 15 and 17, 2025. The anticipated rainfall is expected to provide some relief to the region after prolonged wildfire activity that has burned over 7,000,000 hectares (1.8 million acres) across Canada, marking this year as the nation’s second-worst wildfire season on record.
An atmospheric river is forecast to deliver moderate to locally heavy rainfall across coastal British Columbia, Canada, beginning the night of August 15 and continuing through August 17. Weather models project rainfall accumulations of 20–40 mm (0.8–1.6 inches) in the Lower Mainland, with amounts exceeding 50 mm (2 inches) expected in higher-elevation areas. This influx of moisture will be fueled by a developing low-pressure system situated west of Haida Gwaii. Central coastal regions located east and southeast of Haida Gwaii could experience AR-3 to AR-4 (strong to extreme) conditions on the CW3E Atmospheric River Scale, while southern Vancouver Island is anticipated to see AR-1 to AR-2 (weak to moderate) levels of intensity.
Forecast models also suggest that freezing levels will fall — from above 3,000 m (9,842 feet) to around 2,500 m (8,202 feet) by Sunday — increasing the likelihood of snowfall at higher elevations. Temperatures are expected to stay below seasonal norms through the early part of next week, followed by a gradual shift toward warmer and drier conditions by the middle to latter part of the week.
his will mark the first substantial precipitation event in several weeks for British Columbia. As of August 12, the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre (CIFFC) reported 71 active wildfires in the province under full response — 8 classified as out of control, 22 being held, and 41 under control — along with 25 active fires under modified response and 1 monitored fire, for a total of 97 active wildfires.
So far this year, wildfires have burned 729,633 hectares (1,803,000 acres) in British Columbia, exceeding the province’s five-year average of 644,915 hectares (1,593,000 acres). Across Canada, as of August 12, there have been 4,371 wildfires that have scorched 7,399,154 hectares (18,291,000 acres), a figure about 78 percent higher than the national five-year average.
The 2025 wildfire season currently ranks as the second most severe on record, surpassed only by 2023, when 17,203,625 hectares (42,502,000 acres) were burned.
Reference: Watchers.News
