Meteorologist weighs in as latest blast of winter takes aim at Vancouver

We hate being the bearer of bad news, but one meteorologist says Metro Vancouver isn’t expected to get any warmer anytime soon.

As we near the end of February, Canada’s environment and climate change weather expert Bobby Sekhon told the Daily Hive that temperatures will stay on the cooler side for the most part.

He said that while it’s hard to predict what the start of our spring will be like, “For the next few weeks, we have either a near-normal or a below-normal temperature trend.”

“So there will be some fluctuations, but we don’t see a big warm-up.”

As expected, Metro Vancouver has already faced winter weather and temperatures this week, as parts of the region had already snowed and even brought surprise hail. But the weather brought on by cold temperatures is just beginning.

“It looks like temperatures will recover a bit over the weekend and maybe get a few degrees warmer… However, there is a risk of snowfall,” confirmed Sekhon.

Snow is expected to accumulate in the region Saturday afternoon through Saturday night, Sekhon said.

He said it’s hard to predict how much snow will fall, but “it’s likely to stick and accumulate.”

As usual, higher elevation areas are likely to get a little more snow, Sekhon said. “But [snow is] really be possible anywhere in Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley.”

The coldest night of this week is expected to be on Thursday.

“There we will see temperatures drop to around -6 or so in Vancouver,” Sekhon said. “It’s going to vary a bit around Metro Vancouver, and obviously closer to the Fraser Valley it could be closer to -7 or -8.”

The meteorologist suggested locals also remember that wind chill makes it feel cooler.

“Especially if you’re in the Fraser Valley, which is exposed to those outflow winds, it might feel more like -15 or even lower.”

Sekhon assures that the wintry weather Metro Vancouver is experiencing is not unusual for late February.

“February can have cold spells… So it’s by no means unprecedented. But it’s a stark contrast to what’s been seen more recently.”

Earlier this week, the BC Department of Transport and Infrastructure urged drivers to be wary of the wintry weather forecast on the roads.

Sekhon reiterated that warning, saying driving conditions could be difficult if snow accumulates.

“There is a risk of snow and ice forming on the cables under bridges. So just a few things to watch out for.”

You can visit Drive BC website for the latest highway conditions when the weather changes.