Nanaimo is seeing its first snowfall this weekend.
Only minimal amounts had fallen as of Saturday, Feb. 1, and melted by the afternoon, but Environment Canada has issued a special weather statement for the area, advising of snow, blowing snow and arctic outflow conditions, expected to last into next week.
Heavy flurries and cold temperatures are expected this weekend, Environment Canada said, with an arctic ridge of high pressure forecast to settle over the region. "Temperatures will be five to eight degrees Celsius below seasonal," it said, and advises people be aware of snow expected to build up from Qualicum Beach to Saanich Peninsula.
For Nanaimo, wet flurries are forecast until 5 p.m. with southwesterly winds of 30 kilometres, gusting to 50 km from noon to 5 p.m. Flurries, which will be heavy at times, are expected to start at 2 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 2, lasting till 5 a.m.
In a social media post, City of Nanaimo reminded residents to be mindful of the snow and wear reflective clothing when embarking on a walk or biking and clear snow off headlights and tail lights before driving.
The city also issued a press release stating that with the extreme cold temperatures forecast, weather shelters will open, in co-operation with the Regional District of Nanaimo, for people experiencing homelessness.
A list of spaces, and services, is posted at nanaimo.ca/goto/supports.
On its social media, RDN advised residents that snow may affect bus service and said people can find current information at rdn.bc.ca/transit-service-alerts.
For current weather conditions, go to weather.gc.ca/en/forecast/hourly/index.html?coords=49.166,-123.939
