UPDATE as of 2:11 p.m.: It is now snowing in the City of Vancouver, and locals have shared photos and videos.**
You'll want to dress warmly if you plan on heading out this week.
The Vancouver weather forecast calls for some chilling lows over the next few days as well as a couple of chances for flurries.
Following a relatively mild first half of winter, a transition to much colder conditions continues throughout B.C. as arctic air makes its way throughout the province.
Environment Canada has issued a special weather statement, with temperatures 5 to 10 degrees below seasonal averages in coastal areas.
Starting on Monday, Feb. 8, the forecast calls for clear skies overnight with a chilly low of -6°C. However, temperatures will feel more like -8°C with the wind chill. Tuesday is expected to see bright sunshine and a high of 2°C during the day, but strong winds will make temperatures feel more like -12°C in the morning. A 60 per cent chance of flurries and an overnight low of -4°C is expected later on.
Wednesday is expected to see a 60 per cent chance of flurries during the day and a high of 1°C followed by a frigid overnight low of -12°C. After that, Thursday is expected to see a chilly high of -2°C during the day and a mix of sun and cloud followed by an overnight low of -7°C.
The cold air will persist for the remainder of the week, as well as the sunshine.
Arctic Outflow and Extreme Cold warnings are in effect for several regions in the province and may be expanded as the Arctic air progresses.
Metro Vancouver Weather Forecast
. By Photo via Environment CanadaWhile Vancouverites have enjoyed a relatively mild winter so far, Environment Canada cautions that we aren't out of the woods yet.
In a recent interview, Environment Canada Meteorologist Doug Lundquist told Vancouver Is Awesome that "It's halfway through winter--so we have another half to go through.
"And we can get snow--definitely in [...] February and sometimes March."
Lundquist stresses that snow events are far less likely heading into spring, but they can't be ruled out entirely. That said, he notes that the La Niña pattern is still affecting weather in the region, which could mean temperatures will dip a bit below average.
