Figure 1: North American Ensemble Forecast System (NAEFS) 8-14 day temperature trend probability (valid January 23-30, 2021). This image shows moderate to high probability for B.C. and southern Yukon to have below normal temperatures.
Weather Event Impacts:
Health concerns for the most vulnerable population, due to colder than seasonal weather.
Potential for snow in interior valleys and at low elevations on B.C. Coast which may cause challenging driving conditions.
Increased energy demand for heating.
Increasing likelihood of slippery conditions.
Potentially beneficial for agriculture in B.C. interior.
Timing:
Cool down starts between January 20th-23rd and cold air remains until the end of January.
Key Points:
B.C. and Yukon have experienced unseasonably warm weather so far this winter.
A cool down to below average temperatures is coming mid to late next week.
Once cold air is established, watch for the possibility of significant snowfall events throughout B.C.
Snowfall will be possible close to sea level.
Often in these patterns there can be strong outflow winds through coastal inlets.
Details about how low temperatures may drop and about timing of significant snowfall will emerge closer to possible events. Please continue to monitor public forecasts.
Forecast confidence:
High – regarding cold pattern.
Low – regarding details such as temperatures, timing, and amount of snowfall.
For updates, please monitor upcoming weather forecast and possible warnings:
Weather Warnings: www.weather.gc.ca/warnings/index_e.html?prov=bc
ECCC Daily Weather Blog: www.avalanche.ca/weather