An Environment Canada snowfall warning is in effect for Greater Victoria, with about three centimetres expected to fall at higher elevations overnight and into Friday.
Many residents living at higher terrains awoke to frost and a hint of snow Thursday morning. Rain is expected to turn into snow overnight.
More of the same is expected Friday with snow and rain in the forecast for the morning turning to just snow at higher elevations in the late morning and afternoon, Environment Canada said. Snowfall amounting to five centimetres is forecast for higher terrain in the capital region Friday.
Environment Canada says we can expect a return to warmer temperatures and rain and clouds over the weekend.
Environment Canada also issued a snowfall warning for Nanaimo which is forecast to get four centimetres overnight. A warning was not issued for areas including Port Alberni, Port Hardy and Tofino. Nonetheless, they too are forecast to get between two centimetres (in Tofino) and five centimetres (in Port Alberni) overnight.
Brent Curtain of Mount Washington said that as of Thursday morning there is still not enough snow accumulation to open its alpine, nordic or snow-tubing areas.
“But we're expecting snowfall over the next 24 hours which is great news,” Curtain said.
“We will be evaluating the mountain after each successful snowfall to see how the conditions are and once we have enough snow, we plan on opening as soon as possible.”
On the mainland, temperatures are expected to drop to around zero Thursday night, and snow is expected into Friday morning’s commute.
Wind is expected to pick up on Friday, and the snow should turn to rain in areas along the coast.
Those further inland and on higher terrain will see accumulations approach 10 centimetres.
In Washington state, areas from Seattle northward could get five to 10 centimetres and areas east of Puget Sound could get more than 12 cm.
— with files from The Province and Seattle Times
