Honestly, if you've lived in the Lower Mainland for more than a week, you know the drill. You check the forecast for local weather vancouver bc, see a sun icon, and still pack an umbrella just in case the sky decides to change its mind. It's basically a personality trait at this point.
Right now, things are feeling a bit... off.
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We’re currently sitting in a strange pocket of "La Niña light." While the experts over at Environment and Climate Change Canada spent the end of 2025 talking about a fifth La Niña in six years, this one isn't hitting like a frozen hammer. Not yet, anyway.
What’s happening outside right now?
Today, Friday, January 16, 2026, is actually turning out to be a bit of a gem. We’re looking at a high of 48°F (around 9°C for those of us who think in Celsius) and a low of 41°F. It’s sunny. Like, actually sunny.
The wind is a gentle west breeze at about 5 mph. Basically, it’s a perfect day to hit the Seawall before the "Gray" returns. Because we all know it will.
But don't let the sunshine fool you into thinking winter is over. Just last week, the city was dealing with an atmospheric river that dumped nearly 100 mm of rain on us in some spots. One day you’re worrying about coastal flooding at Locarno Beach because of those high astronomical tides, and the next, you’re scraping a surprise layer of sleet off your windshield because an "upper level disturbance" decided to crash the party.
Vancouver weather is basically a series of mood swings.
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The La Niña factor
So, about this La Niña.
Usually, this means we should be freezing. Historically, La Niña pushes the jet stream in a way that brings colder, snowier conditions to BC. But this year is a "weak" version. Forecasters are seeing a transition toward neutral conditions as we head into the spring of 2026.
What does that actually mean for your weekend plans?
It means unpredictability. We have warmer-than-average sea surface temperatures in the North Pacific right now. That’s like adding high-octane fuel to any storm that rolls in. More moisture, more intense rain, and—if the temperature drops just a few degrees—a higher chance of that heavy, wet "heart attack snow" that shuts down the SkyTrain.
Why the fog is the real villain
You’ve probably noticed the fog lately. It’s been thick. Like, "can't see the end of your own hood" thick.
Transport officials are actually starting to treat these dense fog events with the same level of seriousness as a blizzard. It’s been messing with flights at YVR and slowing down the BC Ferries. If you're commuting from the North Shore or catching a boat to the island, the fog is honestly more of a threat to your schedule than the rain is right now.
Staying ahead of the chaos
If you’re trying to navigate local weather vancouver bc this month, stop looking at the 14-day forecast. It’s a lie.
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Focus on the 48-hour window.
If you're heading into the mountains, check the avalanche bulletins. The recent flip-flop between freezing and "unseasonably warm" has made the snowpack in the backcountry super touchy. We’ve seen high risks lately in the South Interior and the Sea-to-Sky corridor.
Actionable Steps for the Week:
- Check the tides: If you live near low-lying areas like Southlands, keep an eye on those storm surge warnings.
- Clear your drains: Seriously. With the "sun-then-deluge" pattern we're in, those fallen leaves from last year will flood your basement in an hour.
- Slow down in the fog: Use your low beams, not your high beams. High beams just reflect off the water droplets and blind you.
- Download the DriveBC app: If you're heading up the Coquihalla or the Sea-to-Sky, don't guess. The conditions change at the Cypress exit, and they change again by the time you hit Squamish.
Keep your layers handy and your expectations low. It’s January in Vancouver—everything is subject to change.