Environment Canada is forecasting extremely cold weather for British Columbia into next week.
“A bitterly cold air mass will settle over the northern and central British Columbia Interior. Northerly winds combined with overnight lows in the minus 30s will generate extreme wind chill values of at least minus 40 [C],” Environment Canada said on Dec. 25.
“Conditions will slightly moderate during the day with windchill values hovering in minus 30s. However, windchill values of at least minus 40 will return in the evening.”
“Extreme windchill values near minus 50 could be reached Christmas night in some locations,” the federal agency added.
Arctic outflow warnings for certain areas of B.C. are also in effect through the end of December. According to the agency, an arctic ridge of high pressure over the province interior will continue to drive strong, cold northeasterly outflow winds across the north and central coasts.
Regions affected include Terrace, Kitimat, and Stewart in the north coast inland sections; Bella Coola in the central coast inland; and through the mainland inlets and valleys of the north and central coasts.
“For the inland regions, winds of 40 km/h gusting to 60 and very cold temperatures will bring wind chill values down to as low as minus 30 over the weekend,” Environment Canada said.
“Through the mainland inlets and valleys along the coastal areas, winds will peak at 90 km/h gusting to 110 over the weekend with wind chill values between minus 20 to minus 25.”
The agency warned residents of the risk of increased frostbite if they are outdoors. People are reminded to provide shelter for their pets as the weather will be “unusually cold” with strong winds.
In Metro Vancouver, Whistler, and the Fraser Valley, which will be affected by the Arctic outflow starting the early morning of Boxing Day, Environment Canada warned that frostbite and hypothermia can occur within minutes if not enough precautions are taken when outdoors. The windchill is expected to last until Dec. 29.
