Strait of Georgia - north of Nanaimo
Forecast
Marine Forecast
Issued 04:00 AM PDT 15 May 2026
Today Tonight and Saturday.
Strong wind warning in effect. Waterspout watch in effect.
Wind light except southwest 25 knots near Qualicum Beach. Wind becoming southeast 10 to 20 this morning except southeast 25 over northern sections today. Wind becoming northwest 15 early this evening except southwest 20 near Qualicum Beach this evening. Wind becoming northwest 15 to 20 Saturday morning then becoming northwest 20 Saturday evening.
Showers today and tonight. Risk of thunderstorms today and tonight. Scattered showers Saturday late in the day with a risk of thunderstorms.
Extended Forecast
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Ice Conditions
There is no ice forecast issued for this area.
Warnings
Warnings (In effect)
Strong wind warning in effect
Strait of Georgia - north of Nanaimo
Issued 04:00 AM PDT 15 May 2026'Strong' winds of 20 to 33 knots are occurring or expected to occur in this marine area. Please refer to the latest marine forecasts for further details and continue to monitor the situation through Canadian Coast Guard radio or Weatheradio stations.
Watches (In effect)
Waterspout watch in effect
Strait of Georgia - north of Nanaimo
Issued 04:42 AM PDT 15 May 2026 Conditions are favourable for the development of waterspouts.Where: Strait of Georgia, Howe Sound, West Coast Vancouver Island
When: This afternoon and tonight.
Additional Information:
An upper trough will move across the south coast of B.C. today, bringing a cool and unstable airmass. This airmass will provide favourable conditions for the formation of waterspouts across the Strait of Georgia and the mouth of Howe Sound, as well as the west coast of Vancouver Island this afternoon and tonight.
Mariners are urged to take all necessary precautions and prepare for the possibility of waterspout activity. Postpone voyage or seek safe harbour if possible. Keep in mind that waterspouts cannot be seen at night and may strike suddenly.
Please continue to monitor alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Canada. For more information monitor Canadian Coast Guard radio or Weatheradio stations.
Synopsis
Technical Marine Synopsis
Issued 4:00 AM PDT 15 May 2026 Today Tonight and Saturday At 4:00 a.m. PDT today trough located over Bowie.By 4:00 p.m. PDT today trough located over the South Coast.
At 9:30 p.m. PDT tonight ridge located west of the offshore waters.
By 5:00 p.m. PDT Saturday ridge located from Haida Gwaii to
Explorer.
At 9:30 p.m. PDT Saturday approaching frontal system located west
of Bowie.
Marine Weather Statement
Issued 3:30 AM PDT 15 May 2026 A trough moving through Explorer this afternoon will generatenorthwesterly gale force winds, particularly southwestern sections of
Explorer. Winds will ease to northwest strong overnight as the trough
exits the region.
In addition, this trough will create conditions favourable for the
development of waterspouts across the Strait of Georgia, Howe Sound
and west coast Vancouver Island from this afternoon to Saturday
morning.
A transient ridge of high pressure builds over the offshore waters on
Saturday. As the ridge nudges closer to the coast, gale force
westerlies will develop through Juan de Fuca Strait Saturday
afternoon. These winds will ease to strong westerlies Saturday
overnight.
Pacific - South Coast Area
- Bowie - southern half
- Central Coast from McInnes Island to Pine Island
- Explorer - northwestern half
- Explorer - southeastern half
- Haro Strait
- Hecate Strait
- Howe Sound
- Johnstone Strait
- Juan de Fuca Strait - central strait
- Juan de Fuca Strait - east entrance
- Juan de Fuca Strait - west entrance
- Queen Charlotte Sound - eastern half
- Queen Charlotte Sound - western half
- Queen Charlotte Strait
- Strait of Georgia - north of Nanaimo
- Strait of Georgia - south of Nanaimo
- West Coast Haida Gwaii - southern half
- West Coast Vancouver Island North
- West Coast Vancouver Island South
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