Vancouver has recorded 14.3 millimetres of rain in October so far, the second-lowest on record for the month, as Environment Canada meteorologist Chloe Katsademas says the city could finish in the top five driest Octobers.
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Vancouver has tallied 14.3 millimetres of rain so far in October, putting the month on track to finish as one of the driest on record, Environment Canada meteorologist Chloe Katsademas said on Oct. 18.
Katsademas said the 14.3-millimetre total is currently the second-lowest rainfall amount ever recorded in October in Vancouver, behind the 12 millimetres recorded in 1907.
She said precipitation is still possible in the remaining part of the month, noting that there are more than 10 days left in October and that “something like that could occur.”
In an average year, Vancouver receives 156.8 millimetres of rain during October, when the city begins to celebrate pumpkin carving and pumpkin pie. Katsademas said last October was close to average, with 151 millimetres, while the year before was well above average at about 282 millimetres.
Katsademas said this October’s standing could shift if later storms bring more rain. She pointed to historical examples, including October 2002 at 18.3 millimetres, October 1987 at 20.4 millimetres and October 1991 at 27.1 millimetres.
While late-month wet weather remains possible, Katsademas said computer models do not have a strong lock on what to expect over the coming week.
She also cited the potential for heavy storms in October, including the example of a massive storm during the 2024 provincial election when 188 millimetres fell over three days—amounts that, if repeated, could lift October 2026 from among the least rainy months to above average.
Katsademas noted that late September also saw a turnaround, with more than 40 millimetres falling on Sept. 29, bringing total rainfall for September 2026 to 84 millimetres versus an average of 71 millimetres.
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