In December, an El Niño weather system caused wet, warm weather in the qathet region, and was predicted to last until April 2024.
Arctic air
However, January has seen temperatures become cooler, and according to the Weatherhood app's forecast for qathet, people stepping outdoors will most likely need gloves, a scarf and winter boots, as temperatures plummet below zero and snow may be on the horizon.
Weatherhood is predicting that today, January 8, and Tuesday, January 9, the qathet region will see snow, and later this week, the temperature is predicted to hover between zero and minus 8 degrees Celsius.
Wind warning
Environment Canada also issued a wind warning at 4:47 am Monday morning for Vancouver Island and qathet region.
Vancouver Island, east from Nanoose Bay to Campbell River, and the Sunshine Coast are expected to have very strong winds blowing southeast, between 70 and 90 kilometres an hour, this evening and overnight.
Watch for flying debris
According to Environment Canada’s wind warning: “A strong frontal system developing over the Pacific will impact the BC coast. By early this evening the strongest winds will be occurring, giving southeast winds of 70 gusting to 90 kilometres an hour. The frontal system is expected to pass through by midnight and winds will switch to strong southwesterly at that time.”
The warning also said that damage to buildings, such as to roof shingles and windows, may occur and that loose objects may be tossed by the wind and cause injury or damage. High winds may result in power outages and fallen tree branches.
To report severe weather, send an email to [email protected] or tweet reports using #BCStorm.
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