Arctic outflow warning issued for Howe Sound

An Arctic ridge of high pressure over the B.C. interior will bring strong and bitterly cold outflow winds to coastal communities beginning Saturday night. The outflow winds will create wind chill values of minus 20 and below. Mainland inlets and areas that are exposed to outflow winds are more likely to experience these very cold wind chill values. Temperatures will remain well below seasonal and will bottom out near-record cold temperatures next week.

The wind chill will improve during the day on Wednesday as temperatures increase.

Frostbite and hypothermia can occur within minutes if adequate precautions are not taken when outdoors. Any outdoor activity exposes you to an increased risk of frostbite.

Minimize exposed skin with hats, scarves and mittens or gloves. Anyone who is not dressed warmly is at risk of frostbite and hypothermia in cold weather. Be prepared for unusually cold temperatures and strong winds. Public Safety Canada encourages everyone to make an emergency plan and get an emergency kit with drinking water, food, medicine, a first-aid kit and a flashlight.

Details: 

• Arctic outflow winds and falling temperatures will combine to produce wind chill values below minus 20.
• Locations: Metro Vancouver, Fraser Valley, Howe Sound, Sea to Sky Highway, Whistler, near the mainland inlets of the Sunshine Coast and Comox and Campbell River.
• Timespan: early Sunday morning (December 26) to Wednesday afternoon (December 29).
• Wind chill values: below minus 20.
• Temperatures: Near record cold temperatures next week

Please continue to monitor alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Canada. To report severe weather, send an email to BCstorm@ec.gc.ca or tweet reports using #BCStorm.

More details on the alert are available here.

Visit our webpage for information on ice and snow removal. 

December 24, 2021