There’s a lot of summer activities coming up in Maple Ridge, Pitt Meadows, and the wider Lower Mainland. But this year, it might be a good idea to pack an umbrella or a couple of ponchos.
The July 2 weather, in which it rained steadily across most of the region for several hours, looks like it might set a pattern. The long-range forecast as of early in the month called for warm – but not scorching – temperatures, along with several days where the rain might well return.
It’s not bad when you compare it to what Canadians are enduring back east, or how Europeans are sweltering. Having been through a massive heat dome just five years ago, British Columbians can sympathize.
Our wet weather (so far) does mean that outings may have to be slightly modified. Going to Twilight Tuesdays to catch some free music at the Memorial Peace Park bandstand? A Zumba session at the Haney Wharf? Out to pick up some produce at the Haney Farmers Market? Maybe remember to bring at waterproof hat or a jacket.
For certain outdoor events, a little rain doesn’t matter. If you’re going to an organized water fight or taking up paddling on Saturdays along Alouette River, you were going to get wet anyway, right?
So rather than lamenting the fact that we don’t have pure blue skies and 30 degree weather, enjoy it!
A mildly damp summer will keep the grass and trees green, as well as the air fresh and hopefully free of wildfire smoke.
If you still don’t like getting soaked, there are many activities indoors, from dance and exercise classes to chess clubs to the simple joy of sinking into a movie theatre seat and scarfing down popcorn.
It is possible we will still see another major heat wave or even a drought this summer, of course. We’re already living with watering restrictions, and there wasn’t enough snow during the winter to cover the local mountains and fully feed the reservoirs.
This is the West Coast. We know how to deal with rain, and in fact, we thrive in it. (We may not be the best at driving in snow, but rain doesn’t really bother us.) When folks from Ontario or Alberta run for cover from a little light precipitation, we just unfurl our umbrellas and carry on with our summer fun.