Earlier this morning (December 1) Environment Canada issued a Yellow Warning for Snowfall for 100 Mile House, Williams Lake and Highway 97.
“We’re expecting a fair amount of snow today. 10 to 15 centimetres is expected through today and through the evening which could make driving quite hazardous.” Meteorologist Bobby Sekhon said. “There’s a possibility of freezing rain for the Chilcotin. That’s due to colder air entrenched in the valley’s with the warmer Pacific air coming in with this system.”
Sekhon noted periods of freezing rain are likely to continue through this morning in the Chilcotin with some gradual ice accumulation expected through the region including sections of Highway 20.
“We do have Highway Alerts in effect for Highway 97 Clinton to 100 Mile Via the Begbie Summit where 10 to 15 centimetres of snow is expected as well through out the day and into the evening.”
Looking at the full first week of December Sekhon said it looks wintry.
“Obviously we have the Snowfall Warning in effect right now but there’s still going to be a break tomorrow (December 2) still remaining on the cool side with near normal temperatures. As we get into mid week, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, that’s when we could see another system come through the Region, bringing another round of snow especially watching Thursday for potential for heavy precipitation.”
Sekhon added that right now with temperatures hovering on either side of zero it’s looking a little bit uncertain as to whether it will be straight snow or might have some rain mixed in.
“My recommendation is would be this is the week you definitely want to keep an eye on the forecast because we are going to be monitoring the changes as they come along and we’ll adjust the forecast as needed. Normal highs around the Cariboo are minus 1 and lows of minus 8. Seeing temperatures get near zero or up to plus 3 as we’re forecasting for Friday, it’s not out of the ordinary to be less than 5 degrees from the normal average.”
Sekhon noted that with that freeze-thaw cycle there are obvious concerns regarding slippery surfaces and slippery roads coming into effect so you’ll want to be cautious on the roads and sidewalks.
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