It’s that time of year again – when Lower Mainland residents go running for cover from the “frigid” temperatures and the rest of Canada laughs at our idea of cold.
New Westminster, along with the rest of Metro Vancouver, is currently under an Arctic outflow warning from Environment Canada.
Like much of the region, the city saw some snow fall earlier in the day, but the flakes have now been replaced by empty but cloudy skies. The extreme cold hasn't hit yet; temperatures are hovering around -1C right now, with windchill as low as -4C.
Environment Canada has issued a special weather statement for the whole metro region, warning that windchill values ranging from -15C to -25C are expected tonight. New Westminster’s overnight temperature is currently predicted to drop as low as -16C.
“Rising surface pressures over the B.C. Interior will continue to drive Arctic air through mainland valleys and inlets this week. Beginning tonight, frigid temperatures and stronger outflow winds are expected,” the statement warns.
Folks who head outdoors are reminded to minimize exposed skin with hats, scarves and mittens/gloves (COVID-19 memo: face masks also make for excellent protection from cold air). Pet owners are reminded to ensure that shelter is provided for animals.
Environment Canada says temperatures will begin to rebound during the latter half of this week.
How does that compare to the rest of the country, you ask?
Environment Canada says this hour’s current Canadian “hot spot” is Tofino, where the temperature sits at a balmy 3.7C.
The “cold spot”? Old Crow Airport, Yukon, where it’s sitting at -38.5C.
The rest of the country is registering a wide range of temperatures: -27C in Calgary, -27C in Regina, -29C in Whitehorse, -6C in Toronto and -4C in St. John’s, just to name a few.
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