Vancouver is heading into February with no snow officially recorded at its airport weather station, raising the possibility of the city experiencing its first snow-free winter in 43 years. Ken Dosanjh, a meteorologist from Environment and Climate Change Canada, mentioned that despite some time remaining in the winter season, there are currently no forecasts indicating sea-level snow in the near future. If no snowfall occurs by spring, it would mark the first snow-free winter in Vancouver since 1982-1983.
The unseasonably warm air mass affecting British Columbia led to the breaking of daily temperature records on Tuesday, with Sandspit and Bella Bella surpassing previous high temperatures set in 1954 and 1998, respectively. The North Shore Mountains in Metro Vancouver remain lush and green, with Grouse Mountain experiencing temperatures of 12 degrees on Wednesday, and only a few of its ski runs open.
Dosanjh noted that although there were reports of wet snow in early January around Vancouver, none had reached the ground or accumulated at the Vancouver International Airport weather station. Recent atmospheric rivers not only brought rain but also elevated freezing levels, aiding in melting any snow in the region.
Dosanjh mentioned the absence of sea-level snow in the forecast for the next nine days, indicating a potential wait until mid to late February for a chance of snow. He highlighted regional weather differences, such as a snowfall warning issued for the Malahat Highway on Vancouver Island in January. Snowfall accumulation across the South Coast of B.C. is at 78% of the average, while Vancouver Island is below half at 49%.
Meanwhile, Metro Vancouver Regional Parks announced the early reopening of the Grouse Grind hiking trail due to favorable weather conditions. The provincial river forecast center issued a flood watch for the North Coast, including areas like Prince Rupert, Kitimat, and Terrace, with up to 250 millimeters of rain expected in some regions and snowmelt runoff anticipated. Environment Canada also issued a rainfall warning, cautioning drivers about potential road washouts near water bodies.
