Special weather statement says "Arctic airmass" to hit Metro Vancouver

Oct 22 2020, 7:47 pm

A special weather statement warning of a “modified Arctic airmass” has been issued for Metro Vancouver.

According to Environment Canada, the weather statement applies to:

  • 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

The weather agency says that the Arctic airmass will arrive on the coast on Friday morning. The system is expected to move out of Metro Vancouver by Friday evening, although the cold air will bring temperatures 5°C to 8°C — below the seasonal norm.

Saturday looks to be the coldest day of the weekend, with a high of 7°C and a sub-zero low of -1°C.

In addition to below seasonal temperatures between Friday and Sunday, there’s also the possibility of “wet snow over higher terrain.”

“A low-pressure system will pass just off Vancouver Island Friday morning and move onto the Washington coast Friday evening,” says Environment Canada. “Meanwhile, Arctic air will advance southward through the BC interior.”

“The onset of precipitation combined with falling temperatures will bring a risk of wet snow to neighbourhoods and roadways above 300 metres.”

“Early season snowfall” is also expected to heavily affect the interior of the province as well as the Sea to Sky Highway.

DH Vancouver StaffDH Vancouver Staff

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