Environment Canada warns of heavy rain or snow for parts of B.C. including Vancouver

VANCOUVER — A series of rain and snowfall warnings are in place for parts of British Columbia, with Metro Vancouver expecting up to 60 millimetres of rain with snowfall accumulating at higher elevations starting Monday night.

Environment Canada issued the warnings ahead of a strong frontal system that is expected to bring heavy rain to northern cities of Metro Vancouver through to Tuesday.

The heaviest rain is expected near the North Shore mountains, while Environment Canada says Vancouver itself may see up to 50 millimetres of rain and there could be “significant snowfall accumulations” over higher terrain.

The same frontal system has set off snowfall warnings for the Sea to Sky Highway and the Whistler area, with 15 to 20 centimetres expected before it tapers by Tuesday afternoon.

In the southeast, heavy snow is predicted for the West Columbia and Elk Valley, and in the Rogers Pass on Highway 1 and the Kootenay Pass on Highway 3, bringing up to 25 centimeters of snow through to Wednesday.

Snowfall warnings have also been issued for the North coast, including Stewart and Kitimat, with accumulations of up to 25 centimetres into Tuesday before a transition to rain.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 5, 2026.