Environment Canada issues ‘special weather statement’ for most of BC ahead of cold snap

After a frigid December, British Columbia kicked off 2023 with a mild January.

But that’s about to end with the arrival of a cold snap that is expected to affect most of the province.

Environment Canada (EC) has issued a “special weather statement” ahead of the cold snap that’s expected to begin over the next 24 hours.

The agency is calling it a “major shift in temperature” from the mild January we’ve been experiencing.

“Temperatures will be 5°C to 10°C colder than normal for this time of year,” says the statement.

It adds that some areas could see gusty wind and snow along with the cold air’s arrival.

As for when the relief from the anticipated cold temperatures will come, that’s a little less clear at this time.

“Temperatures are expected to gradually rise late next week, in early February,” noted EC. “However, there remains significant uncertainty on the timing of a return to seasonal temperatures.”

The only parts of BC that are not included in the special weather statement are Haida Gwaii and the northernmost section of the province.