White Christmas: Forecast calls for snow in Metro Vancouver this weekend

No need to dream. It looks like Metro Vancouver will see a white Christmas this year.

Environment Canada has issued a special weather statement calling for snow and cold temperatures in the region.

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The bulletin, issued on Thursday morning, is in effect for:

• Metro Vancouver – central including the City of Vancouver Burnaby and New Westminster
• Metro Vancouver – North Shore including West Vancouver and North Vancouver
• Metro Vancouver – northeast including Coquitlam and Maple Ridge
• Metro Vancouver – southeast including Surrey and Langley
• Metro Vancouver – southwest including Richmond and Delta

A weather system is expected to arrive over BC’s south coast on Thursday night and remain in the region until Sunday.

“Cooler air from the BC interior starts to filter out to the south coast on Friday night. However, true Arctic air is not expected to begin making its way out to the coast until later Christmas Day,” Environment Canada says.

Snow is expected from Thursday night to Sunday, while cold temperatures will begin on Friday night and continue next week, with daytime lows of -4°C and overnight lows up to -10°C.

And yes, the forecast calls for snow throughout the day on December 25.

(Environment Canada)

The special weather statement also warns that temperatures will be “below seasonal” through the end of December, bringing an “increased risk of frostbite and hypothermia with these conditions.”

Preparing for the cold

Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General Mike Farnworth detailed some of the measures that the province is taking to prepare for the cold temperatures.

“In the coming days, periods of heavy and blowing snow, freezing rain, and very cold weather are likely in most parts of BC,” he said during a press conference on Thursday morning. “In some areas, that weather has already arrived.”

Government officials are working to make sure that road crews are adequately prepared. Drivers have also been advised to bring food and blankets for any longer trips in vehicles.