Rainfall is expected to range between 50 and 70 millimetres through Wednesday, Oct. 25 in the Nanaimo region. (Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

possible snowfall

Rainfall warning issued for Nanaimo as wet, chilly weather moves through

Oct 24, 2023 | 11:40 AM

NANAIMO — It’s shaping to be the first real taste of winter to hit the mid-Island region this season.

Environment Canada has issued a rainfall warning for Nanaimo and parts south, while a special weather statement remains in place for most of the rest of the Island, with a strong but brief Pacific storm moving in.

Meteorologist Alyssa Charbonneau said considerable amounts of rain are expected in areas between Nanaimo and Victoria along the Island’s east coast, due to a low pressure system moving from north to south down the Island.

“Nanaimo, Duncan…down towards the Malahat are expected to see periods of heavy rain today and tonight with potentially 50 to 70 millimeters falling.”

The rainfall is meeting a cool air mass which is arriving from the north, bringing temperatures around five degrees below seasonal averages.

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While the temperature change is not overly notable, it will impact how precipitation falls, Charbonneau said.

“Snow levels are going to be coming down fairly low, we’re looking at snow levels potentially around 250 metres this evening so some of those higher elevation routes such as the Malahat and inland sections of Vancouver Island could be seeing some snow with this.”

Wet flurries may make their way to some coastal areas, however no accumulation of snow is expected.

“This type of storm if we were here a couple of months from now, we’d be looking at more widespread snow. We’re seeing that clash of some warmer air coming in with some cooler air at the same time.”

The chilly morning and overnight temperatures are forecast to stay through the weekend, before moderating into next week.

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