British Columbia

Seasonal stretch of sunny weather in Vancouver unseen since 1954

Vancouver has not had rain for 12 days and the last time there was a dry spell like this between October and November was 65 years ago.

Longest dry spell between October and November in 65 years

Children enjoying the stretch of unusually dry weather in Lilian To Park in Vancouver during the last week of October. The city could set a record this week for the least amount of rain at this time of year in 65 years. (Maggie MacPherson/CBC)

Vancouverites haven't had to pack umbrellas around for awhile, and if this seems unusual, it is.

The last time measurable rain was recorded in the city was 3.5 millimetres at Vancouver International Airport on Oct. 25, and since then, it has been dry for 11 consecutive days.

CBC meteorologist Brett Soderholm said the last time there was such a dry spell between the months of October and November was 65 years ago. In 1954, there were 12 consecutive rain-free days between the two months.

"From a historical perspective, this is certainly an uncommon event," said Soderholm, adding if the forecast pans out Wednesday the old record will be tied.

And chances are it will be.

A SkyTrain passes by a series of condos.
Vancouver had clear skies and sunshine on the first day of November, normally the rainiest month of the year. (Ben Nelms/CBC)

 Environment Canada is not predicting any rain in Vancouver on Wednesday and only the slightest chance of a shower on Thursday.

Despite this sunny stretch, Soderholm said it was business as usual when it came to rainfall during October. On average, the city sees an average of 121 millimetres of rain over the course of the month and this year it saw 123.

"To be nearly a week into the month without any rain is definitely unusual,' said Soderholm, who expects some clouds at the end of the week with rain looking increasingly likely over the weekend.

November is usually the rainiest month of the year for Vancouver with an average of 186 millimetres of precipitation.