Weather Notification – Province-Wide extended cold – Jan 11 – Jan 16/24

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A Yellow Weather Notification for province-wide extended cold has been issued for British Columbia, including the Lower Mainland, by Environment and Climate Change Canada.

Yellow level means forecast of weather that can mean some risks and disturbances to transport and other parts of society. 

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Yellow Weather Notification for province-wide extended cold

Issued at 13:35 2024-01-08 by Environment and Climate Change Canada

Areas issued for:

  • British Columbia, including the Lower Mainland region

Details:

  • A significantly colder air mass will begin moving through northern parts of the province on January 11, 2024
    • The cold will make its way down south and eventually into coastal communities before the weekend
    • Temperatures are expected to plummet to well below average for an extended period
      • Expect temperatures 5-10 degrees Celsius below average, and with a possible windchill of -10 to -15 degrees Celsius overnight
    • It is likely that temperatures will moderate later next week
  • Gusty winds will likely accompany the initial arrival of cold air
    • Persistent gusty outflow winds will continue along local coastal valleys and inlets gusting to 90-100+ km/h
  • Locally intense snow may occur along the South Coast
    • Specific locations and amounts are difficult to predict in advance
    • Risk of snow is generally elevated but remains uncertain

Timeframe:

  • Thursday, January 11 – Tuesday, January 16

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Potential impacts for consideration

  • There is an increased risk of disruption to services and transportation in the region
    • Challenging driving conditions due to limited visibility, blowing snow and freezing surfaces
      • Staff may have trouble accessing work sites
      • There may be delays to transport of residents and supplies
    • Power outages are possible from moderate to strong gusty winds
      • Loose objects may be tossed by the wind and cause injury or damage
      • High winds may result in power outages and fallen tree branches
      • Health care facilities may be directly impacted
  • There may be an increased demand on health care services
    • There is a potential for higher number of visits in Emergency Departments
    • There is a possibility for delays from BCEHS and 911 dispatchers

 

Potential actions to take

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