Snow on Christmas Day in Vancouver this year "unlikely": forecasters

If you’re dreaming of a white Christmas in Vancouver this year, well, keep dreaming.

After forecasting last week that a chance of snow on December 25 was slim, both The Weather Network and Environment Canada forecasts show there is no snow expected in Vancouver on Christmas Day.

Historically, a white Christmas “is rather rare across the Lower Mainland, and this year will not be an exception,” according to Dr. Doug Gillham, a meteorologist at The Weather Network.

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That being said if you’re willing and/or able to leave town, you’ll find the white stuff in the local mountains and ski resorts. You also may find some on Vancouver Island — yes, you read that right.

“While it is unlikely that Vancouver or Victoria will see a white Christmas, as you head north up Vancouver Island, the odds of seeing snow for Christmas increase,” said Gillham.  “Just a few hundred metres in elevation could make all the difference as a weak front on Christmas Eve will bring some wet snow over the higher terrain across the island.”

For those staying in the city, Environment Canada says you can expect to wake up to a mix of sun and cloud on Christmas Day, with a 60% chance of showers. Temperatures will reach a high of 7° C and a low of -2.

Environment Canada