It may not seem like it due to the blast of arctic weather that happened early on in the season, but it’s still winter — and Victoria is activating its overnight warming centres once more due to freezing temperatures in the forecast.
With an anticipated overnight low of zero degrees, the City of Victoria says it will open an overnight warming centre on Wednesday from 8 p.m. to 8 a.m. at St John the Divine Church, 1611 Quadra St.
Additionally, Cool Aid will be operating an overnight warming centre at Rock Bay Landing, 535 Ellice St from 9 p.m. to 8 a.m. with a phone reservation required at 250-383-1951.
Environment Canada’s forecast for Victoria for the week of Jan. 16, 2023.
The Salvation Army will also be operating an overnight shelter at 525 Johnson St. from 8 p.m. to 8 a.m. for those in need of a warm place to stay.
READ MORE: Greater Victoria braces for -25C wind chill as arctic outflow warning issued
Vulnerable residents are urged to stay safe and warm during the cold spell, which will continue into the weekend.
While overnight temperatures Thursday will warm up slightly to 4C, the forecast calls for lows of between -1 and +1 over the weekend with sun, cloud and possible showers.
The city activates its Extreme Weather Protocol when any of the following conditions are expected:
- At or near zero-degree temperatures
- Sleet/freezing rain/snow accumulation
- Sustained high winds
- Rainfall making it difficult or impossible to remain dry
This week marks a month since an arctic outflow swept over Greater Victoria, delivering wind chill values as low as -25C.
This time around, no weather warnings have been issued in anticipation of the cold temperatures in the region.
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