Metro Vancouver residents should brace for the snowiest week of the season so far as arctic air brings frigid temperatures to the Lower Mainland this week.
In a special weather statement issued Monday (Nov. 28), Environment Canada calls for "winter weather early this week" in Metro Vancouver.
In addition to powerful winds, sub-zero temperatures, and frigid windchill, the weather alert includes significant accumulations of snowfall that will eventually transition to rain "leading to poor travel conditions."
After experiencing one of the earliest snowfalls on record, there were several crisp, sunny days in the city this November and even a few decidedly foggy ones.
Now, there are several special weather statements in effect across the south coast of B.C. and confidence is building that there will be an "impactful winter storm," according to The Weather Network.
Starting on Tuesday and Wednesday, parts of the Lower Mainland are expected to see the season's "first significant snowfall" due to a "low-pressure system interacting with an Arctic outflow."
The outflow is also expected to bring frigid temperatures and powerful winds. On Monday night, for example, Environment Canada forecasts temperatures to feel like - 9 C with windchill.
Metro Vancouver weather forecast heading into December
While some places at higher terrain have had significant snowfall accumulations already this season in B.C., many areas at sea level have only had modest snowfall accumulations.
"It is now time for Vancouver and Abbotsford to see their first major snowfall of the season," says Matt Grinter, a meteorologist at The Weather Network.
"Confidence is pretty high that this will be a significant snowfall event for parts of the Lower Mainland."
The weather channel has "high confidence" that the first snow event will take place Tuesday afternoon through Wednesday, while it has a "medium confidence" on snowfall accumulations and locations.
Currently, however, the forecast includes upwards of 20 to 30 cm of snowfall in the Fraser Valley, while the suburbs of Metro Vancouver are expected to see 10 to 20 cm.
The Weather Network also calls for powerful winds gusting up to 60 km Monday afternoon and up to 80 km Tuesday.
