Chilliwack Drenched by Heavy Rain from Pineapple Express
Chilliwack is feeling the impact of a pineapple express, a type of weather system that brings warm moisture straight from the Pacific Ocean, near Hawaii. This system has drenched the region, dropping a hefty 46.4 mm of rain overnight on January 11, 2026, according to local weather observer Roger Pannett.
In total, Chilliwack received about 51.6 mm of rain for the day. Pannett, who volunteers with Environment Climate Change Canada, indicated that this heavy rain is expected to continue into Tuesday. The low temperature for Sunday was unusually warm, at 5.5 degrees Celsius—about 7.6 degrees above normal for this time of year.
Such intense rainfall raises concerns about flooding. When temperatures rise, there’s also a risk of landslides or avalanches due to warming snowpack in the higher elevations. Over the past decade, the frequency of these pineapple express events has increased, a trend many experts attribute to climate change. A study by the Pacific Climate Impact Consortium in 2021 suggested that atmospheric river events are becoming more intense and frequent in the region.
Interestingly, while this recent rain was significant, it didn’t set any new records. The one-day record for January 11 remains at 71.9 mm, established back in 1928. This historical mark shows how weather patterns can shift dramatically over time, emphasizing the importance of tracking these changes for future preparedness.
As we share concerns about flooding and weather changes, many social media users are expressing their thoughts on this rain. Tweets and posts highlight both the beauty of the rain and growing fears about local flooding.
For more insight into how changing weather patterns impact our communities, visit Environment Canada for updated reports and resources on climate-related trends.
