Bundle up, B.C.: It’s going to get cold, fast.
Environment Canada has issued a near-province-wide special weather statement calling for sudden temperature drops because of incoming Arctic air.
According to the national weather agency, cold air is currently pushing southwards across the Interior, and is headed towards the coast.
“The cold air will be in place throughout the province by Monday and (will) persist for the remainder of the week,” Environment Canada said.
Interior regions will see temperatures 10 to 20 degrees below seasonal averages, while coastal areas will see 5 to 10 degree drops.
Environment Canada said it’s been a mild winter for most of the province, though this Arctic blast will make for the coldest conditions seen yet this season.
In Northern B.C., the Peace River and Fort Nelson regions are under extreme cold warnings.
Extreme cold wind chill values of -40 to -45 are expected for Saturday night and Sunday as the Arctic airmass settles over the region.
A large volume of snow has already fallen on the Coquihalla Highway and Highway 3, with another 10 cm possible Sunday and 10-15 cm forecast by Monday.