I alluded to it last week, but it’s all the buzz in weather news today! Seasonal forecasts indicate we’re in for a warm, dry autumn.
Summer officially changes to fall Monday September 22, at 7:29pm. The Autumnal equinox may have a fixed date and time, but temperatures look like they’ll stay above normal through November. The warmer temperatures will be coupled with drier-than-normal conditions all over the island.
The fall forecast is influenced in part by a developing weak El Nino event, in which Pacific waters are warmer than average. At this point, the odds of an El Nino event triggering a warm, dry fall and winter over the South Coast of BC is 60-65%.
For the next seven days you’ll need your sunglasses and sunscreen in Victoria, as temperatures stay at or above normal without a drop of rain in sight. By the weekend we’ll see highs in the mid-20’s thanks to a high pressure area anchored offshore. It’s not going anywhere any time soon. And to be honest, neither is the smile on my face. While I’m aware of the challenge that a warm dry fall poses to the vibrant ecosystem on Vancouver Island, I’ll take this over the gloomy, grey weather we often get in the fall.
