B.C. about to see steep temperature drop-off thanks to polar vortex
An Arctic outflow will significantly cool things down in British Columbia to well below zero degrees, as well as fuel some strait-effect snow
The first full week of 2024 started off an a blustery note for British Columbia as a powerful wind storm blew into the the province on Tuesday.
Over 20,000 B.C. Hydro customers were without power on Tuesday from the mighty gales and heavy snow over several highway passes made for a dangerous setup. The heavy snow and high winds also created very dangerous avalanche conditions.
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So, after this late taste of winter, many may be wondering what's next, if anything at all. Well, unfortunately, this wind storm was only the start of B.C.'s wintry woes.
A polar vortex is on the move across Western Canada, and it will have a direct effect on B.C. and the South Coast’s weather in the next few days.
Plunging temperatures
Below freezing daytime highs are forecast Friday across all of B.C., where Vancouver may only get to -7C. Temperatures will be significantly colder overnight as well as throughout the Interior.
To the north, Prince George could see temperatures dip towards -30C on Friday, with temperatures only getting colder towards the Prairies.
Frigid wind chills will also add an extra bite to the air, so be sure to bundle up when heading outside.
SEE ALSO: What is wind chill and why does it 'feel' so miserable?
WATCH: Vancouver Island, tracking snowfall and arctic air across the area
A side of straight-effect snow
Wind blowing off the continent will interact with the warmer straits, fuelling what's known as strait-effect snow -- characterized by narrow bands of heavy snowfall.
The snow may impact the Malahat to Victoria Thursday night and into Friday, with localized amounts of 5-10 cm between Nanaimo and Parksville. However, snowfall amounts drastically vary and are highly dependent on wind direction, which may shift leading up to the event.
Stay with The Weather Network for more forecast information and updates across for your weather across B.C.
