The cold has arrived!
An arctic outflow warning has been issued for Greater Victoria, the southern Gulf Islands, Metro Vancouver, and the Fraser Valley, with wind chills expected to reach below -20 C.
Environment Canada attributes the anticipated cold to the year’s first “arctic intrusion.”
The arctic air, coupled with strong outflow winds reaching speeds of up to 60 km/h, “will result in wind chill values of -20 starting on Thursday night.”
Wind chill values may moderate on Saturday afternoon but uncertainty remains on the timing of the warm-up.
In addition to the cold snap, areas such as the Malahat could see significant snow, with specific amounts and locations unclear.
About 2 cm of snow is also expected in Greater Victoria Thursday.
“Frostbite and hypothermia can occur within minutes if adequate precautions are not taken when outdoors. Any skin exposure will result in frostbite,” warned Environment Canada.
“If outside, dress warmly in layers and stay dry. Cover as much exposed skin as possible to avoid frostbite.”
According to the weather agency, wind chill values may moderate on Saturday afternoon but uncertainty remains on the timing of the warm-up.
The snow is expected to reach the Malahat Highway and Duncan area on Thursday afternoon, move to Nanaimo on Thursday night, and then continue to Fanny Bay on Friday.
Make sure to bundle up!
