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Multiple storms target southern B.C., timing here


Brad Rousseau
Meteorologist

Saturday, December 16, 2017, 12:22 PM - Coastal rain and high-elevation snow marked the end of the past week in British Columbia, and there's another round on the way.


Visit our Complete Guide to Winter 2017/18 for a preview of the Winter Forecast, tips to survive it and much more.


On Sunday night, warmer air will push in, which will have freezing levels retreating up to and above the 1500 m mark. Nonetheless, travel through all mountain passes will be impacted this weekend by accumulating snowfall. This low is likely to bring another shot of snow for the Okanagan Valley as well. With the milder air pushing in for Sunday, a change over to rain or a rain/snow mix is likely, with another shot of snow Sunday night as cooler air pushes back in. Coastal regions and the Lower Mainland will see light, but persistent rain from this system.


The next system in line is expected to move into coastal regions Tuesday morning and push into the interior through the afternoon before clearing on Wednesday. This is a system that forecasters will need to keep a close eye on as it is expected to develop through the North Pacific. This means it will approach the province form the southwest, bringing strong winds more into play for coastal regions, the Strait of Georgia, and across the Lower Mainland.


Another key variable we are watching will be an area of Arctic high pressure that will be pushing southward into northeastern B.C. and Alberta. This is an important feature as it will start to pump Arctic air southward through the interior. This is the type of pattern that favours the potential for significant snowfall through the interior and higher elevations. 

Freezing levels at the onset of the precipitation will be near 1200-1500 m, but as the Arctic high pushes cold air southward, they are expected to gradually drop through Tuesday to near 500-800 m. This means Tuesday through Wednesday, should the current trend verify, we will be looking at moderate to heavy rain for coastal regions, including the Lower Mainland, as well as strong winds across coastal regions and the Strait of Georgia. We will also be watching for significant snowfall at elevations near and above the 500-800 m mark. This will have significant impacts on travel through all mountain passes, but will spell good news for ski resorts with a snow top up as we head into the holiday break.

The large upper level ridge looks to set back up again, but this time it will be shifted more to the west over the Pacific and up into the Gulf of Alaska. This will allow the Arctic high to firmly plant itself across the western portion of the country, dropping temperatures down to below seasonal province-wide. 

Long range models suggest if the ridge shifts west, some energy may move southward along the eastern periphery of the ridge. This would lead to a weak low spinning up and riding along the coast. With the Arctic air in place, this type of setup could bring the risk for some snow at sea level. There is no guarantee at this point, but it is something we will continue to watch as the snow could potentially stick around through Christmas.

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