January brought a rollercoaster of weather systems to the qathet region, beginning with freezing temperatures and some snow. Environment and Climate Change Canada sent out multiple warnings to coastal communities on the BC's Sunshine Coast.
The sudden rise in above average temperatures brought on by El Nino has brought heavy rains, high winds, potential flooding, rising rivers and snow melt at higher altitudes.
February 1, 2024, had a mix of showers with dry periods. However, today, between 11:30 am and 1 pm, the sun came out with a temperature high of 12 degrees Celsius. The Weatherhood forecast predicts more heavy showers tonight with 20 kilometre per hour winds gusting to 40 and becoming light this evening. The temperature will be steady near eight degrees. Friday, February 2, there will be morning showers until noon.
The weekend is looking sunny with some clouds with a high of five and low of zero to minus one degree Celsius.
Although BC has seen plenty of rainfall in the last few weeks the province is still experiencing drought conditions.
Friday, February 2, is Groundhog Day, a tradition rooted in Medieval times. According to the website todocanada.com: "If the groundhog emerges from its burrow, sees its shadow and then returns, winter will last for another six weeks. If it doesn’t see its shadow, winter will be shorter."
Vancouver Island marmots, which are a species of groundhog, predict the weather on Groundhog Day for British Columbia. According to the Marmot Recovery Foundation: "The marmot, Van Isle Violet, who resides at Mount Washington on Vancouver Island, is the usual prognosticator."
Although not based on science, tomorrow the marmot will "predict" whether the region, including qathet, will see an early spring
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