Rare nocturnal thunderstorms set for B.C. coast as troughs dig in

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There’s going to be a rare weather occurrence for parts of B.C.’s coast Monday and Tuesday.

An upper-level trough is moving into the region to start the work week, with cooler air aloft, forecasters are expecting thunderstorms by Monday afternoon.

Thunderstorms in the afternoon are pretty normal. What is rare, is to see the instability stick around into the evening and overnight hours. Nocturnal thunderstorms could bring rumbles of thunder while many are in bed sleeping. There is a potential for lightning and heavy downpours through Tuesday morning.

The storms will have a positive impact on the current poor air quality readings across the Lower Mainland. At one point on Sunday, the AQHI (Air Quality Health Index) was as high as 10+ for parts of the Fraser valley.

On Monday, the rain and wind ushered in by this next trough will help bring much improved air quality for Tuesday onward.