Low elevation snow risk grows for B.C.’s South Coast this weekend
An influx of cold air from the Arctic will finally bring B.C. some precipitation as the dry streak comes to a close, but it also means the chance of low-elevation snow on the weekend
As we near the end of January and await February's arrival this weekend, B.C. is finally going to see a bit of a changeover as the prolonged dry streak will come to an end as a pattern flip unfolds across the South Coast.
Impactful snowfall will linger into the weekend, and beyond, with highway pass travel concerns, and the growing potential for low elevation snow.
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In fact, 10+ cm of snow is not out of the question near the Lower Mainland by Sunday, as the cooler air makes its way down the coast.
While is still too soon to know exact totals, the region, including Vancouver should prepare for impactful winter weather.
Friday
Snowfall warnings have been issued across much of B.C.'s central coast, and those around the Sea to Sky highway could see 10-20 cm of snow on Friday, with more possible on Saturday.
Highway pass snowfall could greatly impact travel conditions in the Kootenays. As the low travels eastward, a trailing trough will continue to produce unsettled alpine snow conditions throughout the weekend.
The Coquihalla highway will also see tricky travel with 20-30 cm of snowfall forecast for the region.
Meanwhile, wind warnings have been issued for southern Vancouver Island, including Victoria, where gusts between 70+ km/h are forecast through Friday. Ferry delays and localized power outages are possible.
Saturday
Freezing levels will fall drastically Friday into Sunday, bringing below zero temperatures to the southern coast.
These unsettled conditions will set the stage for the chance of low elevation snowfall as early as Saturday morning.
The snow that falls through Saturday will be more off and on, with 3-5 cm possible in the Lower Mainland.
Sunday through Monday
The risk for heavy snow and winter impacts grow greatly on Sunday and Monday.
More than 10 cm is not out of the question near Vancouver.
By Monday, snowfall is also possible near Nanaimo, in combination with the outflow winds.
The culprit for this snow is a weak low-pressure system that will hover around the coast sinking south from Haida Gwaii on Saturday and down southwest of Vancouver island by Tuesday.
It is too soon to know exact totals, but the Lower Mainland, including Vancouver, should prepare for impactful winter weather Sunday and Monday.
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.