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Thunderstruck: Vancouver forecast calls for risk of thunderstorms, up to 40 mm of rainfall

Are you ready for another awe-inspiring display?
lightning-vancouver-may-2021-thunderstorm
The Vancouver weather forecast calls for the risk of  "isolated thunderstorms" on May 27, 2021, as well as up to 40 mm of rainfall.

Are you ready for another thunderstorm in the city?

Metro Vancouverites took to social media on May 17 to share videos and photos of an epic thunderstorm complete with electric flashes of light so intense they made the inky night sky look as bright as mid-afternoon. 

Many people commented that they'd never seen a thunderstorm like it in the area, especially since the tempestuous display lasted for roughly half an hour.

And while these awe-inspiring spectacles are few and far between in the city, the Vancouver weather forecast calls for the risk of  "isolated thunderstorms" Thursday (May 27).

Environment Canada has issued a special weather statement calling for a risk of thunderstorms as a frontal system will cross the south coast Wednesday (May 26) night, bringing rain into the Metro Vancouver region. 

Up to 20 to 40 mm of rain is expected Wednesday through Thursday. Rain will give way to showers and a risk of isolated thunderstorms on Thursday. However, if thunderstorms or heavier showers develop on Thursday afternoon, "higher localized rainfall totals could be possible."

The special weather statement in effect for:

  • Metro Vancouver - central including the City of Vancouver Burnaby and New Westminster
  • Metro Vancouver - North Shore including West Vancouver and North Vancouver
  • Metro Vancouver - northeast including Coquitlam and Maple Ridge

Why epic thunderstorms are so rare in Vancouver

Have you ever wondered why thunderstorms are so rare in Vancouver?

Environment Canada meteorologist Doug Lundquist told Vancouver Is Awesome that the storm on May 17 was a rare weather event for the region, albeit not unheard of for this time of year. 

Lundquist explained when you're most likely to see thunderstorms in the city as well as why they are so rare.