Monday is expected to remain the coldest day of Metro Vancouver’s ongoing cold snap. Environment Canada warns temperatures could fall below -20 C.
Environment Canada reports that Arctic outflow winds are bringing record breaking low temperatures to parts B.C., despite a weather advisory being in place for several days.
The cold weather is expected last until Wednesday but Monday is expected be the coldest.
“An Arctic ridge containing high pressure is over the B.C. Interior is bringing strong, bitterly cold outflow wind to the coastal communities,” Environment Canada’s warning Monday for Metro Vancouver.
“The outflow winds will cause wind chill values close to -20 this morning.” These wind chill values are more common in areas exposed to outflow winds and inlets on the mainland.
Monday will be mostly sunny in Vancouver with some cloudiness or flurries later in afternoon. High temperatures will reach up to -8C but with windchill it could feel like -21 C and -15 C during the afternoon. It’s expected that temperatures will remain steady at around -7 C in the evening.
Tuesday is expected be slightly warmer than Monday, but still below freezing. Temperatures could reach up to -3 C. However, wind chill is predicted to make it feel like -12 C during the morning and -7C in afternoon.
However, temperatures could drop back to normal by Wednesday
Environment Canada warns that Tuesday night and Wednesday morning will see stronger outflow and lower overnight temperatures, bringing wind chill values to near 20 again.
“The cold wind chill should moderate on Wednesday, as temperatures rise.”
Temperatures are not expected to rise above zero until the weekend.
Environment Canada provided information in the weather warning about the danger of hypothermia as well as frostbite.
Hypothermia and frostbite can occur in a matter of minutes if you don’t take the necessary precautions when you are outdoors. The weather warning stated that outdoor activities can increase the risk of frostbite.
“Minimize the exposure of the skin by wearing hats and scarves as well as mittens and gloves. If you aren’t properly dressed, you run the risk of hypothermia and frostbite in cold weather.