Urban areas of Metro Vancouver are set to experience their first significant snowfall of the season, as Environment Canada has issued a snowfall warning.
The bulletin issued by the federal meteorological agency on Saturday morning calls for between 10 cm and 20 cm of snowfall in Metro Vancouver from late Saturday night to Monday morning.
Generally, greater snowfall amounts can be expected further inland, away from the moderating effects of seawater, and at higher elevations.
There could be periods of wet snowfall or localized snowfall throughout Saturday, but significant snowfall accumulation is not expected to begin until late Saturday night or the very early morning hours of Sunday.
Heavy snowfall will persist overnight and into Sunday morning. The precipitation will transition into wet snow or rainfall on Sunday afternoon.
However, a second round of heavy snowfall is possible between Sunday night and Monday morning.
Areas in red are now covered by a snowfall warning. (Environment Canada)
Temperatures near the water will reach a daytime high of 4°C and an overnight low of -1°C on Saturday, a daytime high of 31°C and an overnight low of -1°C on Sunday, and a daytime high of 0°C and an overnight low of -5°C on Monday.
Freezing and sub-zero conditions are currently in the forecast for the remainder of next week, with arctic air bringing daytime highs of 0°C and overnight lows of -7°C on Tuesday and -5°C Wednesday. Clear and sunny skies are expected mid-week, before the return of precipitation on Friday, with slightly warmer conditions.
Municipal governments and TransLink have issued bulletins noting that they are preparing for winter weather conditions.
Once the snow stops, arctic temperatures are set to move in. (Environment Canada)
More weather warnings around BC
It’s not just Metro Vancouver bracing for winter weather this weekend. A special weather statement has also been posted for the Sea to Sky region, with snow, blowing snow and Arctic outflow conditions over the next few days.
As winter conditions continue for #BCHwy99 along the #SeatoSky for the weekend, please remember to be prepared before heading out
That includes having 4 matched winter tires that carry the 3-peaked mountain/snowflake winter tire symbol @DriveBC @TranBC pic.twitter.com/vDQnZUuoJY
— Miller Capilano Highway Services (@MillerCapilano4) February 1, 2025
Double-digit lows expected in the Sea to Sky region. (Environment Canada)
ICBC reminds drivers to be prepared
If the forecast and snowfall warning pan out, ICBC has some driving tips that, based on previous winters, Metro Vancouver should really heed.
ICBC suggests packing a winter driving kit with the following items:
- First aid kit
- Emergency food and water
- Warm clothes
- Flares/matches/lighters/candles
- A shovel and traction mat, sand or non-clumping kitty litter
- Jumper cables
ICBC also says to expect the unexpected, and if driving in bad weather, adjust for the conditions and reduce your speed and following distance.
#KnowBeforeYouGo, #BritishColumbia. Expect to encounter winter❄️driving conditions, Saturday Feb 1st through Monday Feb 3rd, throughout #BC.
Check https://t.co/MNovn5KGvc for current🎦road and weather conditions. If you are already underway, our mobile app:… pic.twitter.com/DD6eJRP0I3
— DriveBC (@DriveBC) February 1, 2025
There’s also the threat of black ice as temperatures drop.
“If you drive over black ice and start to skid, ease off the accelerator, and look and steer smoothly in the direction you want to go. Don’t brake! This will make the situation worse. You may need to repeat this manoeuvre several times until you regain control.”
With files from Daily Hive Staff