Metro Vancouver Braces for Cold Snap After Storm

Environment Canada meteorologist Bobby Sekhon says temperatures will drop several degrees next week, making it feel significantly colder than the recent unseasonably warm weather. "It won't be true Arctic air," he told VIA. "It doesn't look too far from normal temperatures. There's some uncertainty about how cold it will be, with some models suggesting the cold will continue into next week." Before the cold arrives, a storm starting Saturday afternoon and continuing overnight is expected to bring moderate to heavy rain to the region. Sekhon says most areas of Metro Vancouver will receive moderate rainfall, which would not meet the warning criteria of 50 mm in 24 hours. However, parts of the North Shore and higher elevations, such as Coquitlam and Maple Ridge, could receive significantly more rain.

Wet weather will be followed by cold air, causing temperatures to drop Sunday night, and Monday could see sunshine and clouds. Monday's forecast includes temperatures of at least 2 degrees Celsius overnight due to clear skies.

Near-normal temperatures are expected for the work week next week.

The cooler temperatures could be beneficial for alpine enthusiasts. Light snow or blizzards are forecast for Grouse Mountain, Cypress Mountain, and Seymour Mountain for several days next week.

Metro Vancouver's long-term forecast will be influenced by La Niña, a weather phenomenon typically associated with heavy rainfall and below-average temperatures in the Lower Mainland.

Local ski hills typically receive significant snowfall during La Niña years.