Typical May weather expected by the long weekend

Will we finally get a break from the cooler than normal temperatures?
Maybe, is the answer from Environment Canada.

“There seems to be indication there could be some improvement towards the end of the week, going into next weekend,” says Environment Canada meteorologist Gregg Walters.

“I mean, obviously, this pattern we’re in cannot last forever, but it seems to be pretty persistent. As a result, things are staying cooler than normal and wetter than normal, as no doubt you’ve noticed. And as everybody’s noticed, actually.”

The unsettled weather pattern is caused by a persistent trough of low pressure off the B.C. coast.

“What that’s doing is it’s kind of rotating moisture onto the coast, which makes its way into the Interior,” explains Walters. He says the trough is preventing a high pressure system from building.

Monday will be closer to typical temperatures, with a high of 18 C, only slightly below the normal of 20 C. But another system is due to move in Tuesday night, bringing rain. Wednesday’s high is only 12 C.

As we get closer to the long weekend, the forecast calls for gradual warming and clearing. Thursday’s high is expected to reach 15 C, Friday should hit 20 C and Saturday 21, all with a mix of sun and cloud.

Until then, you will likely have to keep the jacket and umbrella handy.