The B.C. government is encouraging residents to prepare for winter weather.
Earlier this week, we learned from Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) that conditions were expected to shift thanks to some Arctic air flowing into B.C. from northern areas of the continent.
While the probability of snow is very low (but not impossible), we could see temperatures dip into near-freezing levels.
“We are going to see a pattern shift starting next week,” Ken Dosanjh with ECCC told Daily Hive.
Dosanjh said we could see a pretty good shift into “winter mode.”
The Ministry of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness is telling residents to prepare for low temperatures, snowfalls and storms this winter. How much you’ll need to prepare is dependent mainly on what part of the province you’re in.
Snow is in next week’s forecast for some cities in B.C., like Squamish, Chilliwack, and other areas in the province’s interior.
“People can plan ahead by making sure homes, vehicles and emergency supplies are ready for winter conditions. PreparedBC’s Severe Winter Weather and Storm Preparedness Guide provides tips to stay safe and warm during extreme weather,” the Province says.
Some tips from the Province include preparing a home emergency plan and an emergency kit, taking steps to “winterize” your home, making sure your heating and alarm detectors work, keeping extra blankets, flashlights and batteries, and dressing warmly when heading outside.
Dosanjh told Daily Hive that for Vancouver, we’ll likely see the most significant temperature swings between Tuesday and Thursday next week. And while there’s little probability of snow, the weather this time of year can be highly unpredictable. CNN is also warning of a polar vortex, which could bring abrupt weather disruptions.
Earlier this year, we learned from ECCC that the full force of winter weather we likely won’t see until December or early 2026.
TransLink has also begun to plan for winter weather in its own way.