Vancouver is expected to get another dose of snow this weekend and a lot more is on the way, with a chance of flurries and snow in the forecast from Monday to Friday next week.
Environment Canada has issued a snowfall warning for Metro Vancouver with between five and 15 centimetres expected to fall by Sunday afternoon and temperatures set to drop to an icy -5°C.
“Another low pressure system with a cool air mass will bring another round of snow to the Lower Mainland beginning this evening,” the warning states.
“Once again, higher elevations such as West Vancouver, North Vancouver and Coquitlam will see the greatest snow accumulations of up to 15 cm by Sunday afternoon.”
Vancouver, Burnaby and New Westminster will see wet snow mixed with rain. Environment Canada adds that the type of precipitation seen will “depend on a number of factors, including proximity to the water, elevation, intensity and wind direction.”
On Monday, Environment Canada has forecast a 30 per cent chance of flurries and temperatures are predicted to dip to a chilling -11°C. By Tuesday, the chance of flurries increases to 60 per cent and by Wednesday night periods of snow are expected.
Following this, it’s forecast to snow on both Thursday and Friday throughout the day and night.
There's a chance of flurries and snow in the forecast from Monday to Friday. Photo: Environment CanadaVancouver Is Awesome spoke to Matt MacDonald, Meteorologist, Environment Canada, about what locals should expect over the coming week.
"We will be struggling to get up to 3°C over the next few days," notes MacDonald.
"But true arctic air will reach the coast on Sunday."
MacDonald reports that temperatures could dip as low as -11°C Monday, with a chilly daytime high of -1°C. Further, blustery winds will make temperatures feel decidedly colder.
"Monday and Tuesday will see some strong easterly winds move through the Fraser Valley," he explains.
MacDonald adds that blustery 40 km/h winds can make -9°C or -10°C temperatures feel as cold as -20. As such, he recommends that people prepare for the cold weather by wearing appropriate attire, such as toques, puffy jackets, scarves, and gloves.
The City of Vancouver notes that the Powell Street Getaway will be open as a warming centre from tonight until Jan. 15
Snowfall warning in effect for:
Metro Vancouver - central including the City of Vancouver, Burnaby and New Westminster
Metro Vancouver - North Shore including West Vancouver and North Vancouver
Metro Vancouver - northeast including Coquitlam and Maple Ridge
— With files from Elana Shepert and Vancouver Courier
