Heads up, Vancouver. If you haven’t already taken a look outside or ventured out for your morning commute, it looks like we’re in for a week of heavy rain, courtesy of “a prolonged atmospheric river event,” according to Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC).
‘Moderate’ winter storm warning
On the morning of Monday, March 16, 2026, a “moderate” winter storm warning was issued for Whistler and the Sea to Sky area north of Brandywine, with a forecast of “heavy snow followed by periods of heavy rain” between now and Wednesday, March 18, 2026.
By midday on Monday, there will be an expected 15 to 20 cm of snowfall, and 50 to 70 mm of rain from Monday afternoon to Wednesday.
“An atmospheric river will remain over the B.C. South Coast until Wednesday morning,” says ECCC. “The heaviest rainfall is expected tonight and Tuesday night.”
Snow followed by heavy rain can lead to possible flooding, water pooling on the roads, and landslides. So make sure you’re driving with extreme caution in these areas, or try to avoid them altogether until midweek.
ECCC adds that walkways, in addition to roads, may be difficult to navigate.
Vancouver weather forecast
While Vancouver isn’t in the direct line of fire, the city is definitely going to be drenched in heavy rains for most, if not all, of the week ahead.
According to Environment and Climate Change Canada, Monday, March 16, 2026, will see around 10 to 20 mm of rain during the day, and up to 30 mm at night. The good news is that the wind will be light and the temperature will remain at a steady 10 degrees.
On Tuesday, March 17, 2026, an estimated 15 to 25 mm of rain is expected to fall over the city, with the downpour continuing for the remainder of the week. On Saturday, March 21, 2026, there’s currently a 60 per cent chance of showers, followed by at least a partially sunny Sunday, March 22, 2026.
Ways to stay cozy this week
Need to seek refuge from all the wetness and cold? Here are some ideas to jumpstart your cozy week.
Check out a show
Warrior Festival at The Cultch
When: Various shows throughout the week
Time: Varies per show
Where: 1895 Venables St.
Cost: $35+
Black Label Society
When: Tuesday, March 17, 2026
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Where: 601 Smithe St.
Cost: $72.75
‘I Saw You’ at the Improv Centre
When: Wednesday, March 18, 2026
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Where: 1502 Duranleau St.
Cost: $20 to $25
Les Misérables (Broadway Across Canada)
When: Wednesday, March 18 to March 29, 2026
Time: Showtimes at 2 and 7:30 p.m.
Where: 630 Hamilton St.
Cost: $148.33+
Ellert Oleksandr
When: Thursday, March 19, 2026
Time: 8 p.m.
Where: 2755 Prince Edward St.
Cost: $65.41+
Try a newly opened cafe
Mitchie Matcha Cafe
Where: 4385 Main St.
Nomad Kitsilano
Where: 2143 Yew St.
Cafe Lokal 2.0
Where: 1966 West 4th Ave.
Peace and Culture Cafe
Where: 1120 East Georgia St., Courtyard
Octave Cafe (March opening TBA)
Where: 1328 Richard St.
Rainy weather aside, there’s plenty to get up to in Vancouver this week! Let’s make the most of it.
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