Heavy rain is currently affecting British Columbia's South Coast, with forecasts indicating up to 50 millimeters of rain may fall by Friday night. Environment and Climate Change Canada has warned of cold temperatures and potential snow throughout the province as the wintry weather continues to develop.
The rain is expected to persist until late Friday, primarily affecting Metro Vancouver and the western Fraser Valley, where rainfall warnings were issued early Friday morning. The anticipated storm system will coincide with frozen ground conditions, leading to localized flooding as stormwater runoff faces difficulties being absorbed.
"Areas with frozen or partially frozen ground may cause localized flooding and water pooling on roads," cautioned Environment Canada, advising residents to exercise caution driving during winter conditions, especially at higher elevations.
Alongside the rain, varying weather conditions are expected, including flurries and bursts of heavy snow for areas including the Sunshine Coast, Vancouver Island, and the southern Gulf Islands. Although the majority of regions will experience primarily rain on Friday, colder temperatures are predicted to lead to slippery conditions as wet ground freezes overnight.
Environment Canada noted, "Temperatures will fall to near or below zero tonight, resulting in icy conditions." Accumulations of snow remain uncertain, depending on the development of flurries; nonetheless, several areas are predicted to experience accumulating snow throughout the weekend.
Looking ahead, the forecast anticipates colder, drier air arriving over the South Coast next week, with temperatures expected to drop five to eight degrees below seasonal averages. This shift may bring fresh snowfall to southern Vancouver Island, particularly from Nanaimo to the Saanich Peninsula.
Snowfall warnings were also issued for various regions, including Kootenay, Cariboo, and Okanagan. According to Environment Canada, snowfall accumulations of 15 to 25 centimeters are probable in the Kootenays by Friday evening, with potential visibility issues due to heavy snow.
Travel advisories have been put out with warnings of quickly changing and deteriorated conditions. DriveBC reported 45-minute delays on the Upper Arrow Lake Ferry due to heavy snowfall and low visibility, underscoring the seriousness of the winter weather moving through the region.
Additionally, Avalanche Canada has warned outdoor enthusiasts about increasing avalanche risks, noting the past three weeks' dry conditions have created snow layers prone to instability. "A major increase in avalanche danger is expected," stated forecasters, emphasizing precautions for those venturing out.
Reports suggest up to 15 centimeters of snow will fall across regions like Whistler and Pemberton, where snowfall warnings are currently active. Residents and travelers are urged to prepare for winter driving conditions and to avoid washouts near rivers and creeks.
Weather statements remain active for the Sunshine Coast, covering areas from Gibsons to Earls Cove, as conditions are set to change as cold air advances across the region.
The forecast for this Saturday, February 1, 2025, includes continued cold air and potential flurries this weekend, along with temperatures dropping to below zero. This shift will be driven by arctic air and moisture generated by upper-level systems.
For travelers, specific temperature forecasts indicate highs of around 6 degrees Celsius during the day but dropping to as low as minus 2 degrees Celsius overnight. Current conditions will remain dynamic, and residents are encouraged to stay updated with Environment Canada's alerts on severe weather.
Overall, British Columbia's weather pattern is posing significant impacts due to the heavy rain and expected snowfall, with safety advisories being pivotal as winter conditions progress throughout various regions.
A continuous monitoring of alerts is recommended, and those travelling are encouraged to report severe weather conditions.