BY KRISTY KASSIE

Everyone knows it rains a lot in Vancouver. There are many different words for rain like drizzle, showers and storms.

A drizzle is a small amount of rain. Some people like walking in a drizzle because the air smells so clean.

A shower is a medium amount of rain. Flowers in the spring love showers to grow.

A storm is a lot of rain. A lot of snow is also called a storm. No one likes driving in storms because the roads are slippery, which means it is hard to drive in a straight line because the roads feel smooth.

During the fall, winter and spring, it is helpful to check the weather forecast online or on the radio. A weather forecast gives you information about the weather for one day or the whole week. That way, you will know if you need an umbrella to stay dry if you have to wait for a bus.

Vancouver usually gets drizzle or showers but, in the last few years, storms happen more often. Homes and streets get flooded during storms because rivers overflow. It is important to clear any drains or gutters around your home so that water doesn’t get trapped and cause floods or leaks.

Weather patterns are changing worldwide. Vancouver is getting more atmospheric rivers, which are long periods of heavy rain or snow. Atmospheric rivers don’t only cause flooding but they disrupt travel, ruin roads and result in serious car accidents. It is a good idea to pack an emergency kit in your car with blankets, flashlights and battery-operated chargers for your phone.

Questions

Level 1

1. What are three different words for rain?
2. Which is bigger: a shower or a storm?
3. Why don’t people like driving in storms?

Level 2

1. Why is it good to check the weather forecast?
2. What type of rain does Vancouver usually get?
3. What can you do to make sure a flood doesn’t happen?

Level 3

1. What is an atmospheric river?
2. What problems can happen because of an atmospheric river?
3. What would you do if your car was stuck on a flooded road?

Crossword Words and Definitions (word, definition)

1. drizzle, a little rain

2. amount, size

3. slippery, smooth

4. forecast, information about tomorrow or the next week

5. overflow, spill

6. often, usually

7. trapped, stuck

8. patterns, things that repeat

9. disrupt, get in the way of

10. ruin, damage