April was very average weather-wise for the mid-Island, but experts say much more precipitation is needed to make up for the on-going water deficit across B.C. (File photo/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By Nathan Maley

average April

‘Really didn’t do a lot:’ April weather does little to address mid-Island wildfire concerns

May 1, 2024 | 4:20 PM

NANAIMO — Despite more rainfall over the south coast and central B.C, the threat of wildfires this summer remains prominent province-wide.

Nanaimo saw 85 per cent of normal amounts of precipitation in April, where 56.8 millimetres fell in total, just short of the average amount of 67.4 millimetres.

Environment Canada meteorologist Brian Proctor called the month “average” as we ride out the tail end of an El Nino weather pattern.

“I wouldn’t really term it as being widespread heavier precipitation, so it really didn’t do a lot to address the long-term moisture deficits out there.”

Nanaimo had a mean temperature of 8.6 degrees celsius, just under half a degree below normal.

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Looking ahead Proctor thinks May will be pretty similar to April weather-wise across the Island, with some more showers anticipated for early in the month.

Proctor expects some spotty showers through the month of June, leading to average conditions for the summer months.

Despite the projected precipitation water deficits are expected to continue, with fire centres across B.C. already preparing for a possible repeat of last year’s wildfire season, the most severe in provincial history.

“Really looking at it, a much more normal summer but because of the existing moisture deficit already out there, I don’t think we’re going to see a sharp abatement of the wildfire risk,” said Proctor.

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