‘Impactful amount’ of snow possible in Metro Vancouver this week

A city worker shovels snow at Queen Elizabeth Park in Vancouver, B.C., Monday, Jan. 8, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Ethan Cairns

Amid what has been a mild winter on B.C.’s South Coast, forecasters say the region could get an “impactful amount” of snow this week.

A notice from Environment and Climate Change Canada says it expects snow to fall Monday from morning to night. The weather statement is in effect for Metro Vancouver, the western portion of Fraser Valley, Howe Sound and the Sunshine Coast.

“A low pressure system originating from Alaska will track southeastward and arrive over the South Coast on Monday,” the alert reads. “Light precipitation will begin during the pre-dawn hours Monday. A cold front will sweep across the region through the day, bringing a period of steadier precipitation.”

Forecasters predict five to 10 centimetres of snow in higher elevation areas Monday.

Further into the week, ECCC says there’s a chance of “locally intense” snow showers Tuesday through Thursday as a “cold and unstable airmass” settles over the region.

“Snow levels are expected to fluctuate between 400 and 100 metres, lowering further near the mountains,” the weather agency wrote. “Wet snow may mix in at lower elevations during heavier showers. Locally higher snowfall accumulations are possible where heavier precipitation bands occur.”

ECCC warned drivers of rapidly changing travel conditions, including reduced visibility and slippery roads.