Chances of a white Christmas? Flip a coin

It’s one of the toughest regions in the country to predict a white Christmas, and this year’s weather isn’t making it any easier.

Environment Canada meteorologist Doug Lundquist says there is a storm tracking towards Kamloops in a couple of days that has him “tipping the scales” with a forecast of a white Christmas for that city.

The Okanagan is still in doubt, however.

“The high terrain, Sahali, Aberdeen and Logan Lake will very likely have snow. However, if you're on the valley floor you might need to find a friend in high places if that storm tracks further north,” Lundquist says.

Climatology stats indicate roughly a 50 per cent chance of  a white Christmas in Kamloops or Kelowna, and a slightly higher chance in Vernon.

It’s about a 33 per cent possibility in Penticton.

Environment Canada is calling for precipitation in the form of rain or snow for Kamloops and the Okanagan beginning Thursday night through Saturday, with daily highs at or slightly above 0 Celsius. 

Lundquist says the probability of a green Christmas on the coast is more than likely, but a week away, it’s not clear yet what is in store for the Okanagan.

“The Okanagan and South Thompson can be one of the most difficult regions in the country to forecast a white Christmas,” he says.

“The storm that is expected to cross the region Thursday through Sunday will cause problems for high terrain travellers and valley bottom locations where it’s cold enough to snow. It’s a time when people travel a lot, so I’m urging motorists to be safe, plan well and check with Drive BC,” Lundquist says.

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