Despite predictions that there was “absolutely zero chance” of snowfall on Vancouver Island this week, that’s exactly what some islanders woke up to on Tuesday morning.
Snowfall was reported on the Malahat starting at around 7 a.m. on November 26th with accumulations on the summit, and it was replaced by rain within two hours.
Residents in Sooke and higher elevations of Langford also reported waking up to flurries and, in some cases, hail.
Environment Canada forecasts predict a chance of wet rain and flurries in Greater Victoria until after 11 a.m. this morning.
The morning drive today reminds us to keep a safe breaking distance. We have been out preparing your roads. Light flurries currently on the Malahat. #shiftintowinter @RoadSafetyCWoo @SCCommPolicing @TranBC @DriveBC_VI @DriveBC pic.twitter.com/NG7GQDsEEa
— Emcon Services Inc. – South Island Division (@EmconSouthVI) November 26, 2019
Last week, regional meteorologist Matt MacDonald told Victoria Buzz that there would be absolutely no chance of snowfall in Victoria for elevations below 800 m.
“On average, the first day of snow recorded at Victoria International Airport is November 30th, with records going back to 1940,” he said on November 19th. “This year I don’t see any chance of snow into the first week of December at sea level.”
We have reached out to the weather authority for more information about the unexpected snowfall event this morning.
Here is the forecast for the next 7 days at Victoria Harbour:
