Environment Canada’s latest seasonal outlook shows above-average precipitation and temperatures are expected this fall for some parts of British Columbia.

“We do have a marine heat wave happening to our west in the North Pacific,” said Matt Loney, a meteorologist with the agency.

The increased wet weather, Loney said, isn’t expected until the third week of October, with the areas most likely to see it being on the coast and in the southern sections of the province.

Loney said it’s too early to forecast exactly how much rainfall the province could see in the cooler months, adding that precipitation forecasts that far out can amount to “a coin flip.”

“Temperature forecasts at a seasonal level are much more reliable,” he said. “Our specialty, of course, is predicting from one to 10 days out in the future.”

Dave Campbell of the River Forecast Centre said he’s aware of the weather agency’s seasonal outlook and is also keeping an eye on the La Niña watch issued by the U.S National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

WATCH | How a La Niña in the fall can affect B.C.’s weather:

“This time of year, we’re often messaging around that seasonal readiness,” Campbell said, adding that an abundance of water in coastal areas can bring risks of floods and landslides.

While it’s early in the season, he said there are ways to prepare ahead of time for the upcoming wet months.

“We’re not seeing the leaf off [trees] yet,” he said. “But when we get to that stage, keeping catch basins and, sort of, drainage infrastructure and urban areas — keeping those clear is helpful.”

Campbell said now is also a good time to brush up on emergency plans.

Preparations underway in North Vancouver

The District of North Vancouver said it’s been preparing for the upcoming storm season after an atmospheric river swept through the region last year, causing major damage in the community.

Six properties in Deep Cove were ordered to evacuate after officials declared a local state of emergency.

“We refer to that as a one-in-200-year event,” said Peter Cohen, general manager of engineering infrastructure services with the district.

Cohen said since then, the district has been making improvements to protect the community.

“[We’ve been] restoring some of our channels and creeks and clearing debris,” he said. “We’ve also looked at other opportunities for — how can we improve our infrastructure to better drain our natural creek system?”

Cohen said officials are also encouraging North Shore residents to check drainage systems on their properties to make sure they’re cleared, and inspect retaining walls to ensure nothing looks out of the ordinary.