Rain falls in north Kelowna area (Image Credit: Vernon Matters Staff)

By Vernon Matters Staff

Wet Weather

Atmospheric river to bring heavy rain to B.C. coast, rising rivers in southern Interior

Mar 16, 2026 | 1:00 PM

An atmospheric river is expected to bring heavy rain and strong winds to parts of British Columbia early this week, prompting flood watches and rainfall warnings across several coastal regions.

Environment Canada says some areas along the coast could receive up to 250 millimetres of rain by Wednesday as the system moves through the province.

The B.C. River Forecast Centre has also issued a high streamflow advisory for the Tulameen River headwaters near the Similkameen in the southern Interior. The advisory means river levels are expected to rise quickly, though widespread flooding is not anticipated.

Officials say low-lying areas could experience minor flooding as runoff increases.

While the weather system is expected to push inland, precipitation totals in the Okanagan are forecast to be significantly lower than those along the coast. Periods of rain are possible across the region as the system passes through.

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