Special weather statement calls for "early season snowfall" in parts of BC

A special weather statement has been issued for parts of British Columbia, including the Sea to Sky Highway.

Environment Canada says that “early season snowfall” is expected across parts of the province. The weather is attributed to a mix of arctic air and below seasonal temperatures.

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The statement is in effect for much of the interior, as well as the following areas in the Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley:

• Coquihalla Highway – Hope to Merritt
• Highway 3 – Hope to Princeton via Allison Pass
• Whistler
• Sea to Sky – Squamish to Whistler

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

The weather agency says that widespread snow could occur across parts of interior BC, with anywhere from five to 15 cm expected.

The Arctic air is also expected to bring temperatures that are 10°C below the seasonal norm throughout the weekend, although it will likely be contained to the southern interior.

And while it’s not expected to snow in Vancouver anytime soon, Environment Canada is forecasting notably colder temperatures towards the weekend. Saturday’s forecast calls for a high of 7°C and a sub-zero low of -1°C.