Atmospheric river triggers rain and snow warnings for travelers

Light snow late this morning, Dec. 4, is forecast to turn to rain tonight and into Tuesday morning with 30-60 mm falling on the Coquihalla Highway from Hope to Merritt.

“An atmospheric river is setting up over the BC South Coast on Monday,” a special Environment Canada weather statement says. “Light snow mixed with rain will begin late Monday morning, then gradually intensify to heavy rain Monday evening and continue through Tuesday morning which will increase the risk of flooding and landslides.”

That same system will bring rain and snow to the West Columbia region, including Highway 1 from Eagle Pass to Rogers Pass.

“This afternoon through Tuesday morning, 15 cm of snow accumulation changing to rain, accompanied with ice pellets and risk of freezing rain causing slippery conditions,” are expected in the region according to an Environment Canada winter storm warning. “Up to 25 cm of snowfall is expected over higher terrain such as Rogers Pass and Yoho Park.”

Go to DriveBC, here, for up to date information.

Periods of rain mixed with light snow are expected in the North and Central Okanagan valley bottom early this afternoon. That should turn to rain with a risk of freezing rain over higher elevations this afternoon.

High temperatures are expected to reach 3 Celsius in the valley bottom. The snow level will be 600-800 metres rising to 2,600 metres this evening with an overnight low of 2 C.

Penticton is expected to be warmer with a high of 5 C today, rising to 6 C overnight. Periods of rain are expected this afternoon and overnight.

Showers in the Okanagan are expected to continue through Wednesday evening with a mix of sun and cloud for the rest of the week. Daily high temperatures will gradually drop from 6 C Tuesday to 0 C on Friday with overnight lows down to -4 C.

Kamloops should be drier with a 60% chance of showers today and tonight. The snow level should be at 1,000 metres, rising to 2,500 metres this evening.

A high temperature of 3 C today is expected to rise to 5 C overnight and 8 C tomorrow.

Skies in the Kamloops area are expected to start clearing tomorrow afternoon with a mix of sun and cloud for the rest of the week. Daytime highs will gradually drop to 1 C on Friday with overnight lows of -3 C to – 5 C.

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