On Saturday, January 4, 2025, a person was seen walking under an umbrella during a rainy day in Vancouver. The Canadian Press
Vancouver’s airport broke a rainfall record that had stood since 1912. On Friday, the airport recorded 43.2 millimetres of rain. That beat the old mark of 26.9 millimetres set 113 years ago. The heavy rain came from a moisture-filled system that swept across the south coast.
Other regions see record rainfall
The storm didn’t just hit Vancouver. Abbotsford recorded 55.8 millimetres of rain. That surpassed its previous record of 44.9 millimetres from 1999. West Vancouver also saw heavy rain. It logged 80.6 millimetres, more than double its old record of 38.4 millimetres set in the same year.
Coquitlam and Howe Sound drenched
Coquitlam faced one of the largest downpours in Metro Vancouver. Rain gauges showed 95.4 millimetres in a single day. Port Mellon in Howe Sound topped the province, with 123 millimetres. That was the highest daily rainfall measured anywhere in B.C. on Friday.
Relief for wildfire concerns
While the storm set records, it also brought some good news. Officials from BC Wildfire Service said the cooler, wetter weather helps reduce fire risks. They expect below-seasonal temperatures to continue into the weekend. The rain lowers the chances of severe wildfire activity and helps crews manage hot spots more effectively.
A rare summer storm
Summer storms of this scale don’t happen often in the region. Forecasters said the amount of rain in such a short time was unusual. Many communities saw local flooding, soaked parks, and swollen streams. For residents, the rainfall was a mixed blessing—an inconvenience for daily life but a welcome relief for water supplies and wildfire safety.
Looking ahead
The storm passed through late Friday night, but more unsettled weather could follow. Forecasters expect scattered showers over the weekend. The wet pattern may continue into early next week. For Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley, the record-breaking rainfall will be remembered as one of the most dramatic weather events of the summer.
