Vancouver's Weather Forecast Calls For A Messy Mix Of Heavy Snow & Freezing Rain This Week
A special weather statement has been issued for the region. ❄️🌧
Snow in Vancouver. Right: Vancouver's harbour in winter.
Buckle up, Vancouver! After facing a deep freeze last week, the city is in for more wintry weather this week, with snow in the forecast.
Vancouver's weather forecast says a low-pressure system over the Pacific is moving in and will interact with the chilly Arctic air hanging over the region to bring on some messy winter weather.
With a mix of heavy snow and freezing on the line, travel and outdoor activity could even become hazardous.
Why you should care: A special weather statement has been issued for Metro Vancouver warning that more winter weather is expected later Tuesday and Wednesday.
What they’re saying: According to Environment Canada, a Pacific low-pressure system will approach the coast from the west, bringing snow to most areas.
The snow is expected to begin Tuesday evening and continue into Wednesday morning. According to the current forecast by The Weather Network, Vancouver is expected to see 5-10 centimetres of snow on Tuesday, with another 1-3 centimetres on Wednesday and around 5 centimetres on Thursday.
Temperatures between the two days are expected to stay around zero degrees, making the exact type of precipitation the region could see uncertain.
However, Metro Vancouver, the Fraser Valley, Greater Victoria, and the Malahat Highway could see freezing rain mixed with snow Tuesday overnight and on Wednesday morning, says EC, with the Greater Victoria area likely seeing "a transition to rain or showers" on Wednesday.
"The potential for heavy snow and freezing rain during this time could pose a hazard to travel and outdoor activities," warns Environment Canada.
Vancouver Island will also have difficult travel with heavy snowfall across the eastern and central regions of the island, according to TWN.
ICYMI: The wintry weather comes after B.C. saw record-breaking cold temperatures thanks to a blast of Arctic air from the polar vortex.
According to TWN, wind chill readings at Vancouver International Airport hit -24 C on January 12, 2024, the coldest reading since December 29, 1968. Greater Victoria also saw an exceptionally cold day, with a high of -6.6 C, making it the coldest day in over 50 years.
One of the coldest places in the province was Puntzi Mountain, which was a frigid -48.4 C on Friday.
What comes next: A "major warm up" is in sight for Western Canada, with temperatures set to warm by nearly 40 degrees over the next week, according to TWN.
Vancouver is set to see highs of 7 C on Sunday and Monday heading into next week, although you'll want to break out the umbrella because this will be accompanied by up to 15 millimetres of rain.