Snow and freezing rain expected in Metro Vancouver this weekend

Environment Canada has issued the first major winter storm watch of 2015 for the Metro Vancouver region.

Another arctic outflow is expected to hit the region on Saturday night when a strengthening high pressure system over the Yukon pushes another wave of frigid air south.

However, the “dense and bone-chilling” cold air will be moderated by a Pacific warm front packed with moisture and warm air. This means temperatures will hover around the freezing mark instead of subzero levels.

Within Metro Vancouver, the convergence of the arctic outflow and moisture system could bring a mix of snow, freezing rain and rain beginning Friday. Up to 4 centimetres is in the forecast for Vancouver while higher snow accumulations of up to 10 centimetres can be expected for upper elevations.

The region’s North Shore Mountains will likely receive a significant dose of much-needed snow. Over at Whistler Blackcomb, nearly 30 centimetres of fresh powder will fall on Sunday and Monday.

“As more Pacific air floods onto the coast Sunday, snowfalls will be heavy in some inland regions and freezing rain will create locally treacherous travel conditions,” reads a statement by Environment Canada. “A steady flow of warm moist air will persist through the early part of the week.”

During the morning rush hour on Friday, light snow fell in some Metro Vancouver municipalities including Burnaby, North Vancouver, Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam and Port Moody.

Feature Image: Snowfall via Shutterstock