Winter is coming to B.C., and potentially earlier than expected. That means chillier weather, icier roads, and far more chances for accidents to happen on the road.
WINTER WEATHER FORECAST FOR B.C
The Weather Network’s winter weather sneak peek was published on October 8, “highlight[ing] some key factors that will influence winter weather patterns ahead.”
In spite of fall’s warm start, Canada will see quite an abrupt transition to winter. Although there isn’t a certain timeline, after the warm pattern breaks, you can expect some classic, cold Canadian weather that will be sticking around for most of December. October will also have some notable colder weather interruptions.
For those excited for ski season, this is great news. But for everyone else– especially motorists– October’s chilly weather is an early warning for what’s to come.
Senior meteorologist Doug Gillham notes that “most of Canada will see near-normal temperatures or colder-than-normal temperatures overall.”
ICY ROADS
As for the roads, Only Strata Snow Removal warns that new climate data is pointing toward more variable conditions in B.C. Sourced from a number of major forecasters– including OpenSnow and AccuWeather– there is an increased chance of black ice formation, quite notably in the Lower Mainland.
A weak La Niña is expected this winter. Generally, La Niña patterns develop frigid conditions for Western Canada while Eastern Canada experiences a milder winter. The cold tends to persist when La Niña patterns are present, as well as having colder-than-normal temperatures dominating conditions.
Areas like Abbotsford, Coquitlam, and other communities located in the interior should be prepared for above-average snow. On the other hand, cities such as Vancouver, Richmond, and Surrey may experience mixed precipitation events that are combined with overnight temperature drops. In short: expect black ice.
Winter tires are already mandatory for driving on most B.C. highways in order to mitigate the chances of weather-related accidents. It’s best to prepare early and get those tires onto your vehicle before the snow comes– and it may be coming earlier than you expect this year!
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