Snow falls in Nanaimo last year. Snow and cold temperatures are expected in Greater Victoria, the Southern Gulf Islands and east Vancouver Island. File Photo.
Cherry blossoms may have been blooming in Victoria in January but it looks like winter weather is coming back to Vancouver Island.
On Friday morning, Environment Canada issued a special weather statement for Greater Victoria, the Southern Gulf Islands and east Vancouver Island, from Courtenay to Campbell River, Duncan to Nanaimo and Nanoose Bay to Fanny Bay.
Weather alerts across the province on Feb. 1, 2019. (Environment Canada).
The weather agency said colder conditions will begin Saturday night over the south coast. Cold Arctic air is pushing southwards across the interior of the province and is expected to arrive by early Sunday.
Environment Canada said the cold air will persist into the latter half of next week. Temperatures will be five to 10 degrees below seasonal averages and Environment Canada said it will be the coldest conditions seen this season.
The forecast for Victoria as of Feb. 1, 2019. (Environment Canada).
Arctic outflow winds crossing the Strait of Georgia will create the potential for snow squalls reaching the eastern side of Vancouver Island on Sunday, Environment Canada said.
These snow squalls tend to be localized but could produce significant snowfall for sections of east Vancouver Island.
The coldest air of the season is entering BC this weekend – stay warm! Find weather warnings and special weather statements here: https://t.co/ZzJoUOn2Tw . Cold weather tips from @TeamPAL : https://t.co/kBm2SlwWfM . #BCStorm #BCwx pic.twitter.com/y1KdCJXMXh
— ECCC Weather British Columbia (@ECCCWeatherBC) February 1, 2019
Environment Canada said there is uncertainty with regards to the location and snowfall accumulations so people are asked to monitor forecasts and alerts.
However, Mainroad said snow accumulations are anticipated to be 2-4 cm in the south Island service area. In anticipation, Mainroad will be applying anti-icing chemicals on all highways until the weather event passes and roads are clear.
The forecast for Nanaimo as of Feb. 1, 2019. (Environment Canada).
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