Winter is still months away, but the mountainous highways connecting the Lower Mainland to B.C.’s interior could see some snowfall in the weekend forecast.
As Metro Vancouver prepares for a mixed-bag weather forecast, there is a possibility of snow on Coquihalla Highway from Hope to Kamloops, Highway 97C — Okanagan Connector, and Highway 3 from Hope to Princeton via Allison Pass
Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) has issued special weather statements due to the incoming system that could drop snow levels to 1,500 metres over southern B.C., and to 1,200 metres over the central part of the province.
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“A sharp cold front moving across the B.C. Interior on Saturday will primarily generate strong gusty winds of 60 to 80 km,” stated ECCC online. “Ahead of this cold front, strong southwest winds gusting to 80 km will develop lee of the Coast Mountains in the Chilcotin this morning.
“Snow levels will fall with the passage of this cold front on Saturday and may produce some snow over high elevation highway passes.”
ECCC added that possible impacts could include power outages, fallen branches, and slippery conditions over high elevation passes with wet snow.
“Weather in the mountains can change suddenly, resulting in hazardous driving conditions,” added ECCC. “High profile vehicles should take caution in high winds.”
From Oct. 1 to either March 31 or April 30 (depending on the highway), B.C. mandates winter tires or chains on most highways across the province.
The Lower Mainland and Southeastern Vancouver Island are the one exception to this rule, due to the South Coast’s more temperate winter climate.
ECCC
Closer to home, the Vancouver forecast has a mix of sunshine and rain over the weekend, with highs reaching 17°C on Friday and 12°C on Sunday.
Overnight lows will dip down to 5°C as the new week starts, with more sunshine, clouds, and a chance of showers on the way.
Another autumn weekend has arrived, and it’s filled to the brim with great things to do in Vancouver.
Plan your days with our checklist of 15 fantastic events happening around town from Oct. 16 to 18. There will be a Bruno Mars doughnut giveaway, hilarious comedy, and more.
Be sure to check out our Listed section for more fantastic things happening around town.