Frigid conditions will continue into the week for B.C.’s Lower Mainland, with forecasters warning of wind chill values near -20 degrees Celius in some areas.
A blast of Arctic air broke cold temperature records in the region Friday, including in Abbotsford—where the mercury dropped to -11 C—as well as Hope, Sechelt and Gibsons.
Overnight temperatures will remain low, according to Environment Canada, reaching around -7 C in Metro Vancouver Monday.
The chilliest areas will be Howe Sound, the Sea-to-Sky corridor and Whistler, where an Arctic outflow warning is in effect starting Sunday night.
The federal weather agency says low temperatures and strong winds will bring -20 C windchill during the night, and the mercury will begin to rise Tuesday afternoon.
“Frostbite and hypothermia can occur within minutes if adequate precautions are not taken when outdoors. Any outdoor activity exposes you to an increased risk of frostbite,” the alert reads.
Environment Canada advised residents to dress warmly, covering as much skin as possible, and stay dry.
An Arctic outflow warning is also in place for B.C.’s North Coast including Stewart, Terrace and Kitimat, while an extreme cold warning is in effect for Yoho and Kootenay parks on the Alberta border, where wind chill could drop below -35 C.
