Disruptive weekend snowfall aims for B.C.’s South Coast
Prepare for tough travel throughout the Lower Mainland as heavy weekend snow approaches the region
British Columbia’s South Coast is on track to start February with a hearty dose of winter as a cold, snowy system pushes into the region.
Prepare for bands of snow to arrive on Saturday, with widespread accumulating snow down to sea level following close behind into Sunday.
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Folks in and around Metro Vancouver should prepare for a high-impact snowfall event this weekend. Significant travel delays are likely as a result of the approaching wintry weather. Stay aware of weather alerts in your area and keep up with the latest highway conditions before heading out.
Saturday
The prolonged dry streak that gripped the province throughout January is in the rearview mirror as this new pattern takes hold.
A Rex block hanging over the West Coast will trigger an outbreak of Arctic air sweeping into B.C. from the north, spreading below-seasonal temperatures across the region Saturday and beyond. Subfreezing temperatures are expected all the way to the southern coast.
These unsettled conditions will set the stage for the chance of low-elevation snowfall as early as Saturday morning.
Saturday’s snowfall potential is hit-or-miss throughout the Lower Mainland, with totals of 3-5 cm possible by the end of the day.
The big event arrives into Sunday.
Sunday through Monday
We’ll see a weak low-pressure system near Haida Gwaii sink south toward Vancouver over the next couple of days. This system will both reinforce the cold air and provide the moisture and lift needed for widespread snowfall to end the weekend.
Expect heavy, accumulating snow throughout the South Coast—including Vancouver—through the day Sunday and into Monday.
Vancouver is on track to see 15-20 cm of snow by Monday, with 10-15 cm possible along the immediate coastline. Communities farther inland could easily see 20-25+ cm by the time the snowfall ends on Monday.
Snowfall is also possible near Nanaimo by Monday, in combination with the outflow winds.
The pattern will be good news for the province's ski resorts. It will help replenish the ski hills with some fresh, new snow and finally bring winter to coastal sections, which have been missing it so far this season.
Stay with The Weather Network for all the latest on your forecast across British Columbia.