Winter is set to make a comeback in Metro Vancouver this week, as temperatures are expected to drop along with the possibility of snow on Friday, followed by a cold spell. According to Weather Network meteorologist Jaclyn Whittal, “It’s finally time for winter to return.”
The initial frontal system is scheduled to move through Metro Vancouver starting on Wednesday, ushering in cooler temperatures accompanied by rain. A second front is anticipated to arrive late Thursday and early Friday, bringing precipitation and decreasing temperatures likely to result in snow during the morning commute. Although temperatures will continue to drop over the weekend, there is no expected precipitation.
Whittal noted that Canada is currently experiencing an El Niño weather system, leading to warmer temperatures nationwide. However, the trend is expected to shift in Metro Vancouver, where ski resorts can anticipate snowfall this week, bringing joy to skiing enthusiasts.
B.C. has witnessed record-breaking temperatures, with Vancouver International Airport reporting a mean temperature of 7 C last month, tying with 1939 as the warmest December since data collection began in 1896.
“We are going to be back in a wintry pattern with snow arriving at many of the ski resorts this week. Skiers should be happy,” Whittal said.
December also saw warm weather records being set or tied in Victoria, Comox, Campbell River, and Abbotsford. The mean temperature for the month was 3.4 degrees higher than the normal average. Despite the warmer conditions, the month was exceptionally dry, posing concerns about drought in the province, according to Environment Canada meteorologist Brian Proctor.
