Most Whistlerites spend the month of October (and September, and November) counting down the days until winter arrives.
Well, it might be arriving sooner than you think.
Environment Canada has issued a special weather statement in effect for Whistler, as more early-season snow is set to fall over the Sea to Sky on Friday, alongside an influx of Arctic air.
According to the weather agency, a low pressure system will pass just off Vancouver Island Friday morning, moving toward the Washington State coast later in the day, while the Arctic air will blow southward through B.C.'s interior.
"With a somewhat cool airmass already in place, widespread snow is expected from the Chilcotin and 100 MIle area to the Fraser Canyon and eastward to the Kootenays," the statement reads. "Snow may become mixed with rain over southern and eastern portions of this area. Currently, forecast snowfall amounts range from about 2 to 10 cm."
Along with the special weather statement for the region, Environment Canada has also issued a highway alert in effect for the Sea to Sky between Squamish and Whistler. Highway alerts are also in place for many routes throughout southern B.C. and the interior, including the Coquihalla.
While the system—and the snow—is expected to move out of the province on Saturday, the windy Arctic air is sticking around B.C.
The sun is predicted to shine in Whistler on both Saturday and Sunday, but the weekend will likely be on the chilly side. Temperatures are forecasted to hover around 10 degrees below seasonal normals, with a high of - 3°C, and a low of - 9°C on Saturday.
Temperatures are expected to remain around 1°C Sunday, before rising to a more typical October high of 7°C on Monday.
