Metro Vancouverites should enjoy a drying trend following this week's snowstorm but another one could be on the way.
Environment Canada Meteorologist Alyssa Charbonneau tells V.I.A. that the snowfall is expected to wane in the Lower Mainland after Wednesday, Feb. 5 as a moist Pacific system weakens.
An Arctic airmass will remain in place after the low-pressure system dissipates, keeping temperatures several degrees below the seasonal average. Overnight lows between -4 C and -6 C are expected, although temperatures may feel cooler in other areas.
Arctic outflow warnings have been issued for the Howe Sound and the eastern Fraser Valley, as powerful winds make overnight lows feel as cold as -20 C.
Temperatures may warm up slightly over the weekend but remain a few degrees below the average. A mix of sun and cloud is expected from Thursday through Monday. After this period, models indicate the possibility of precipitation next week.
Metro Vancouver forecast could include another snow event next week
Charbonneau says below-average temperatures are expected over the next couple of weeks and any moist system that moves into the region could create another snow event.
"The next 14 days or so is colder than normal...beyond that it is hard to say," she notes, "In the south coast all we need is that cold air in place and a [moist] system coming down to produce snow."
The previous snowfall was caused by the cold Arctic airmass clashing with a moist low-pressure system off Vancouver Island bringing bands of moisture to the Lower Mainland. A similar system could produce another snow event like this one in the region. Alternatively, a more widespread system could produce ample snowfall with more even accumulations.
"The models are uncertain right now," she adds, reminding locals to keep their eye on the forecast for updates.
Stay up-to-date with hyperlocal forecasts across 50 neighbourhoods in the Lower Mainland with V.I.A.'s Weatherhood.
