Clear skies in the forecast for Vancouver on New Year's Eve

No rain or cloud cover is in the forecast for New Year’s Eve, when revellers head towards downtown Vancouver for the first free public celebration event in the city in more than a decade.

Clear skies will provide optimal conditions for taking in the festivities, free concert, and the two fireworks shows at Coal Harbour: A three-minute-long 9 p.m. Early Eve display and the 11-minute-long Midnight display to mark 2016’s arrival.

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But it will be cold. The daytime high will reach 3°C, dipping to as low as -5°C once the sun goes down.

Revellers should arrive early, dress warmly in layers for the anticipated cold conditions, and stay hydrated.

Public transit will be free from 5 p.m. this evening until 5 a.m. on New Year’s Day, with extended SkyTrain, SeaBus and bus services during the late night hours.

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The cold weather will also roll into the first day of 2016. Sunny conditions with a high of 2°C and a low of -3°C are in the forecast on the day that thousands are expected to take to English Bay for the annual New Year’s Day Polar Bear Swim.

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Image: New Year’s Eve Vancouver