BURST
After a winter with virtually no snowfall, a cold front moving into Metro Vancouver at the start of the work week might bring flurries to the region.
A special weather statement from Environment Canada calls for a “cool and unstable airmass” across the B.C. South Coast that could see temperatures plummet to around freezing near sea level beginning Tuesday morning.
“The low freezing levels combined with an approaching trough of low pressure will produce bands of flurries or showers on Tuesday and Wednesday,” said the weather agency in a statement issued early Monday.
Because of the “convective nature” of the precipitation — that is, the tendency for warm air to rise and cold air to sink — the amount of snowfall will vary across the region.
“Although snow may reach sea level, accumulating snowfall is more likely at higher elevations,” said Environment Canada.
The forecast calls for potentially two to five centimetres of snow around Metro Vancouver.
A snowfall advisory is also in place through Monday for the Coquihalla Highway, where 15 to 20 cm is expected with heavy snow at times and rapidly changing mountain weather conditions.cSnow flurries should taper off Monday evening along the route but travel may be challenging and visibility low.
Commuters are advised to allow extra time and expect travel delays. Drivers should use caution as road conditions could change quickly both in Metro Vancouver and further inland.
The Coquihalla saw several crashes Sunday evening that closed the highway after Environment Canada issued a wind warning and snow caused challenging driving conditions.
Check DriveBC.ca for updates on road conditions.