Metro Vancouverites are facing the coldest temperatures they've seen so far this winter right now but they won't feel as frigid as previously expected next week.
An Arctic airmass in the B.C. interior was previously expected to bring temperatures in the Lower Mainland down as low as 5 C as it seeped into the region.
Environment Canada Meteorologist Lisa Erven tells V.I.A. that Arctic air will still produce temperatures several degrees lower than seasonal averages, although they won't likely drop as low as -5 C.
Temperatures will shift from slightly below average (-1 C overnight) on Friday, Jan. 17 to as low as -3 C overnight on Saturday and Sunday as the cold air mass "really settles over the region."
"We are just starting to see the beginning of it," she notes. "And we don't see a real significant warm-up on the way."
7-day Metro Vancouver weather forecast includes gradual warm-up
Moving into next week, temperatures will continue to fall slightly below average as the cold air permeates the region.
"There's no clear agreement as to how long the ridge of high pressure will last," she explains. "And we aren't likely to see precipitation until mid to late next week."
Erven says the climate models show "low agreement" on how the ridge of high pressure will evolve next week.
Conditions are forecast to stay dry for several more days and after wet weather systems may impact or miss the Lower Mainland. However, a continuing trend of near- or below-normal temperatures is expected.
The ridge of high pressure is also responsible for keeping cooler temperatures from feeling especially bone-chilling. It acts as a barrier from the Arctic airmass seeping in from B.C.'s Interior region where temperatures have dropped as low as -15 C to -20 C.
The ridge of high pressure is helping to deflect the upper-level trough that is bringing in the cold air. "The Prairies and the east are taking the brunt of it and we are getting a glancing brush," Erven adds.
"Still, we are about to experience our coldest temperatures yet this winter. Be prepared for the weather if you are engaged in outdoor activities and follow travel advisories," the meteorologist cautions Metro Vancouver residents.
La Niña's impact on the Lower Mainland
A La Niña advisory is also officially in effect and may impact the remainder of the winter. Environment Canada expects a weak La Niña could contribute to near-normal or just-below-normal temperatures in February.
For now, it isn't looking like a major snow event will occur but colder temperatures and precipitation are key ingredients. Locals should stay tuned to the forecast to see how the situation evolves over the coming 10 days.
"Winter isn't over," she says.
Stay up-to-date with hyperlocal forecasts across 50 neighbourhoods in the Lower Mainland with V.I.A.'s Weatherhood.
