The South Okanagan and Similkameen can expect their first blast of snow through today and tomorrow, with snowfalls of five to 15 centimetres possible by Monday afternoon
According to a special weather statement from Environment Canada, the first Arctic outbreak of the season will bring "bracing Arctic air, blowing snow and crummy travel conditions” to the Southern Interior of British Columbia by Nov. 23.
An intensifying low pressure area will develop into a powerful upper trough near the Washington coastline by Tuesday morning. As the deepening trough approaches, light snow is expected over the Southern Interior Sunday night.
At the same time as the southern low is developing, an Arctic high pressure system in northern B.C. will intensify and shove Arctic air southward. By early Tuesday morning, the Arctic front will be poised to cross the Southern Interior.
As the coldest air of the season arrives, temperatures will fall, the wind chill factor will worsen and poor visibility in snow will be further reduced in blowing snow.
The storm system is expected to end by Tuesday evening and the Southern Interior will settle into an extended period (4-6 days) of chilly winter days.
The latest forecasts and warnings from Environment Canada are available at www.weather.gc.ca.