Special weather statements, warning of rain, snow, and arctic air, have been issued for most of Vancouver Island, including the Greater Victoria area.
According to Environment Canada, snow will arrive this weekend in Greater Victoria with the first blanket expected Saturday evening.
The Malahat could see snow on Friday.
The weather agency warned of frost bite and hypothermia with temperatures expected to drop as low as -15 C in the Campbell River area, and down to -8 to -10C in Greater Victoria.
“A weather system will arrive over the south coast in the overnight hours of Thursday night where it will remain through Sunday,” reads the special statement.
It is expected the system will bring rain mixed with snow for areas closer to the water and snow for inland areas and higher terrain.
Southeasterly winds will develop ahead of the system over the Strait of Georgia overnight Thursday and could increase snowfall amounts to some areas of the eastern part of Vancouver Island.
Cooler air from the the BC interior os expected to make its way out to the south coast on Friday night, however true Arctic air is not expected to begin making its way out to the coast until later Christmas Day.
As the airmass around the south coast cools, more widespread snow is possible.
Once this cold Arctic air settles in around the south coast, temperatures are expected to be well below seasonal through the end of December.
“There will be an increased risk of frostbite and hypothermia with these conditions. Protect yourself and wear appropriate clothing when outdoors,” Environment Canada warns.
