Normal summer weather predicted for Vancouver

While much of B.C. is expected to bake in higher than normal temperatures this summer, forecasters say Metro Vancouver may be spared the same hot, dry conditions as last year.

The Weather Network, which released its Summer Forecast 2016 on Wednesday, predicts the region will see normal amounts of precipitation of between 120 to 140 millimetres of rain in the three summer months.

The report forecasts near normal temperatures for Metro Vancouver, average highs of 20 C in June, and between 22 and 23 degrees C in July and August.

Network meteorologist Dayna Vettese says the weather will be “back and forth” with stretches of warm and dry weather mixed with bouts of rainy, cool weather, as sea surface temperatures affect weather patterns.

She said El Niño, one of the strongest on record, is transitioning to La Niña in the fall. La Niña typically bring cooler and wetter conditions to B.C.’s South Coast.

However, June, July and August are expected to be several degrees warmer than normal across much of the B.C. Interior and Alberta.

It’s also forecast to be drier than usual in the Interior. Vettese says this is not good news for B.C.’s Peace Region, where precipitation is much needed in the battle against several massive forest fires.

“I don’t think it will be as drastic as last year,” she said. “But precipitation will be low in some of those areas that need it most.”