An arctic outflow warning remains in effect for Whistler Thursday evening, with temperatures expected to dip to -25 degrees C with the wind chill overnight.
The temperature was sitting at - 8 C just before 5 p.m., but with winds blowing at 20 kilometres per hour and gusts of up to 40 km/h, felt like -17 C with the wind chill. That is more than 13 degrees colder than the average low in Whistler on Feb. 23, according to Environment Canada.
The warning blames a strong ridge of high pressure over B.C.'s interior for forcing the cold, arctic air out to the coast through valleys like Whistler's. The weather agency recommends limiting outdoor activities while the cold persists, as well as wearing warm clothing like hats, scarves and mittens or gloves to minimize exposed skin while outdoors.
Whistler Community Services Society is once again activating its extreme weather shelter from 6 p.m. to 9 a.m. on Thursday night, Feb. 23. The space at the organization's Nesters Road headquarters is available for up to six people in need of a warm place to spend the night, on a first-come, first-served basis.
Thursday's clear, sunny skies will continue in Whistler into Friday, as will the cold temperatures. Environment Canada's forecast calls for a high of -7 degrees for the resort on Feb. 24, with a wind chill of -27 C in the morning and -10 C in the afternoon. Overnight temperatures for Friday are expected to hit a low of -13 C, or -16 C with the windchill, before warming up to a high of -5 C on Saturday.
Temperatures will continue to climb closer to seasonal norms on Sunday, when a high of 1 C is expected, amid an incoming weather system that is anticipated to bring a fresh dump of snow to the region.
Special weather statement warns of heavy snow for B.C.'s South Coast—including Whistler—Saturday night
Environment Canada also issued a special weather statement for Whistler and the Sea to Sky corridor late Thursday afternoon, warning of heavy snow that is expected to fall over Saturday night, Feb. 25. B.C.'s South Coast could see anywhere from 10 to 30 cm of snowfall as a result of the storm, with higher terrain receiving the highest amounts, according to the weather agency.
"Periods of light snow will start on Saturday and intensify to heavy snow Saturday night," the statement read. According to forecasters, heavy snow should ease up by Sunday morning, for most areas.
However, "Due to the variability in the track of the low pressure system and the strength of the Arctic outflow winds, there is some uncertainty associated with the exact snowfall amounts," the statement added.
Environment Canada is also warning motorists to prepare for challenging travel conditions from Saturday night until Sunday, including along the Sea to Sky highway, and to check DriveBC for current conditions before heading out.
