More snow and cold expected before the weekend in Kamloops

Along with the Arctic air expected to linger for a little longer in Kamloops, Environment Canada says residents should expect some more snow along with the cold temperatures between today and Saturday.

Environment Canada meteorologist Terri Lang says a couple of weather systems are heading for Kamloops with the system moving through today, Jan. 15, expected to drop the most snow. She says between five to 8 centimetres of new snow could fall, with even more at higher elevations.

A second weather system expected Friday into Saturday morning could bring another two cm of snow to Kamloops.

“It doesn’t look as strong as the system moving through today,” Lang says.

"Arctic air has settled in, and any impulses, as we call them, coming in off the Pacific (Ocean) have a lot of moisture with them, but not enough to scour out the cold air. It takes a lot of energy to get rid of that really cold, heavy air that settles into the valleys.”

Lang cautions motorists travelling on mountain passes to be aware of the possibility of much higher snowfall amounts expected on those upper elevation routes.

"If you do plan to travel be prepared for the road conditions and check DriveBC before you leave," Lang says.

Today’s system is expected to drop 30 to 40 cm on Vancouver, prompting travel advisories and gridlock.

Kamloops can expect periods of snow beginning later today, with west winds at 30 km/h combining with a high of -15 Celsius. Windchills of between -34 C and -25 C could bring a risk of frostbite. Up to five cm of snow is expected before the snow ends late this evening with an overnight low of -14 C expected.

It’s expected to be cloudy on Thursday morning before the weather turns to a mix of sun and cloud around noon. East winds at 20 km/h should become light in the afternoon with a high reaching -11 C.

Windchills on Thursday are expected to be in the -16 C to -23 C range through the day, with Thursday’s overnight low dipping to -15C.

A mix of sun and cloud is forecast for Friday with a high of -11 C.

Periods of snow are in the forecast for Friday night with a low of -12 C, before temperatures are expected to begin making their way back up towards the freezing mark over the weekend.

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