The Metro Vancouver weather forecast includes temperatures falling to freezing over the weekend and possibly significantly colder by the end of the month.
Environment Canada meteorologist Armel Castellan tells V.I.A. temperatures are sitting several degrees above the seasonal average right now but will start to fall heading into the weekend.
A ridge of high pressure has trapped moisture in the lower atmosphere, which created widespread morning fog across the Lower Mainland on Monday, Jan. 6 and again on Tuesday. Another fog event is possible again Wednesday before heavy rain is forecast to arrive overnight Thursday.
Saturday's forecast for Metro Vancouver includes a mix of sun and cloud, as another ridge of high pressure moves into the region. The overnight low is expected to drop just above freezing, while Sunday's overnight low is expected to reach freezing.
While these temperatures may feel cold following a relatively mild start to the winter, they are "right bang on to seasonal averages," which are a high of 6 C and a low of freezing, Castellan says.
"They are pretty normal temperatures and Coast Mountain Bus Company will put gel on the lines. There will be frozen windshields."
Another fog event is also possible over the weekend depending on whether winds clear any residual moisture out of the area.
January Metro Vancouver weather forecast may include subzero temperatures
While these temperatures are expected to persist into next week, some weather models indicate a cooler pattern will move into the region sometime around Jan. 19 to 20.
"There's no guarantee yet," he cautions.
Castellan notes that "all bets are off for the end of the month," and a significant cold event could occur. Similarly, February could still see some cold temperatures.
Arctic temperatures are currently 10 to 15 degrees above seasonal averages for the week. Once these temperatures drop, most models only see the Arctic air reaching the Yukon.
According to the latest update from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Climate Prediction Centre, La Niña - a weather phenomenon known to produce cooler temperatures and wetter conditions in the Lower Mainland - is expected to sometime around the end of January.
While NOAA data indicates that it will be a "weaker" La Niña signal in 2025, La Niña years often include low-elevation snowfall.
For now, Castellan reminds locals that temperature weather at home may not be what they face on B.C.'s highways and mountain passes. Drivers should ensure they have winter tires and monitor the forecast and Drive BC for current road and weather conditions.
"Travel could be treacherous. Be wary."
Stay up-to-date with hyperlocal forecasts across 50 neighbourhoods in the Lower Mainland with V.I.A.'s Weatherhood.
