An incoming storm may create Christmas conditions that would satisfy Bing Crosby in some North Shore neighbourhoods.
In any given year, the Metro Vancouver typically has a 15-per cent chance of having a white Christmas but a storm blowing in overnight may mean snow at higher elevations.
“If you’re in Lower Lonsdale or down near the water, it’s probably a 10 per cent chance. But for anyone who’s in the upper reaches of the shore, above the Upper Levels Highway, I’d go as high as 20 – maybe 25 per cent,” said Environment Canada meteorologist Matt MacDonald.
The Lower Mainland will be getting rained for most of the day Tuesday, according to MacDonald’s forecast, but as the freezing level drops to about 300 metres in the afternoon, snowflakes are likely anywhere above the top of Lonsdale Avenue.
“I think the upper elevations of North Van and West Van, probably, will see anything from a skiff to upwards of five to seven centimetres,” he said.
The mountaintops, however can expect quite a bit more, MacDonald added.
“It’s definitely a good news story for them. They could pick up anywhere from 15 to 20 centimetres of snow,” he said. “If you want a guaranteed white Christmas, just head up to the local ski hills.”
MacDonald said it could make for some difficult conditions on the roads, even at lower elevations, especially as the temperature drops Tuesday night.
“I’m thinking it’s going to be pretty slick out there with the snow and the rain and overnight temperatures around the freezing mark,” he said. “Be on the lookout for black ice and have those ice scrapers ready.”
On Thursday, we can expect the arrival of an arctic air flow, bringing with it a cold snap expected to stick around for several days, meaning if we get a dump of the white stuff, it’s likely we’ll keep it.
“It will remain for the foreseeable future – right through Christmas and perhaps even all the way into 2018. It’s going to be crisp and clear for a while with daytime highs of only about 2 C or 1 C and overnight lows in the -7 C range,” he said. “If we do get snow (Tuesday), it will most probably stick around all the way to Christmas given the ensuing cold temperatures.
