Heavy snow hits BC's Interior, Arctic air moves in

Monday, December 2, 2013, 12:37 PM -

Heavy snow snow continues to hit BC's southern Interior with up to 20 cm possible in parts of the Kootenay region through Monday.

"Snowfall amounts of 10 to 15 cm are possible with locally higher amounts of up to 20 cm for the Elk Valley near Fernie," says Environment Canada in their statement Monday morning. "Meanwhile, snow over the BC Peace and McGregor region has eased as the Arctic front continues to move slowly southward."

A special weather statement was also issued for the southern highway passes Sunday night with heavy snow forecast through Monday morning.

#BCHwy5 heavy snowfall all along the #Coquihalla, currently causing limited visibility in the #Kamloops area. Drive safely!

— Drive BC (@DriveBC) December 2, 2013

"@DriveBC Travel Advisory #Coquihalla #BCHwy5 #BCHwy97C Travel not recommended unless absolutely necessary." #bcstorm pic.twitter.com/3UNlYaGKi3

— Chris Scott (@ChrisScottWx) December 2, 2013

In addition to the snow, cold Arctic air is spreading across BC giving some places the coldest air of the season.

"Coastal BC, including the south coast, will also feel the effects of these cold temperatures so any snow that has fallen will likely not melt in the near future," says Weather Network meteorologist Dayna Vettese. "Daytime highs around the freezing mark are also forecast for Vancouver this week."

Parts of Alberta and Saskatchewan are also feeling winter's wrath as blizzard, snowfall and winter storm warnings cover parts of the provinces.