Residents of Metro Vancouver dreaming of a white Christmas may have their wishes granted this year, albeit with a touch of typical West Coast uncertainty. Environment and Climate Change Canada is forecasting a slight chance of snow showers as temperatures dip around the holiday.
Holiday Forecast: A Dance Between Snow and Rain
The federal weather agency indicates that overnight on Christmas Eve, temperatures could drop to a low of 1 degree Celsius. This chill brings with it the possibility of showers or snow flurries, particularly for those living at higher elevations. Early risers on Christmas morning, perhaps checking stockings around 5 a.m., might just see some flakes falling.
However, the classic Vancouver pattern is expected to reassert itself. Any festive snowfall will likely transition to rain during Christmas Eve day as highs reach 5 C. A similar pattern is forecast for Christmas Day itself, with a slight chance of showers during the day and another potential for mixed showers or flurries as temperatures drop again overnight.
Travel Warnings for Key Highways
While the Lower Mainland may see fleeting flurries, significant snow is expected on major Interior routes, creating hazardous conditions for holiday travellers. A snowfall warning remains in effect for the Coquihalla Highway.
Environment Canada predicts up to 20 centimetres of snow could accumulate on Saturday, December 20th, with an additional 10 to 15 cm expected overnight. Snowfall is likely to continue through Sunday and Monday, leading to difficult driving. The agency warns that visibility may be severely reduced and that sudden weather changes could prompt road closures.
Provincial Weather Extremes: From Arctic Chill to Coastal Snow
The holiday weather story across British Columbia is one of dramatic contrasts. While Vancouver hopes for a dusting, other regions are under extreme cold warnings.
Arctic air has settled over northern parts of the province, bringing dangerous wind chills. The Peace River region could see values near -40 C on Saturday, while the Cassiar Mountains, Teslin, and Watson Lake areas may endure a bone-chilling -45 C to -50 C.
Meanwhile, B.C.'s Central Coast is under a snowfall warning, with up to 15 centimetres of snow anticipated by Saturday night.
Back in Metro Vancouver, Boxing Day is shaping up to be a classic wet coast day, with a high chance of showers and a high of 6 C—a perfect day to stay indoors. The forecast serves as a reminder for all residents to check road conditions and prepare for variable weather as they head into the holiday weekend.
