Environment Canada this afternoon (Sept. 26) issued a Special Weather Statement for the Elk Valley, warning of high elevation snow beginning Friday (Sept. 27).

“A cold airmass will settle in over the BC Interior beginning tonight and persist through the weekend. Lowering freezing levels and unsettled conditions will support the chance of snow over higher elevations,” Environment Canada stated.

“Kootenay Pass has the potential to see a significant amount of snow during this period. Rain will likely give way to periods of snow near the summit on Friday night and could persist well into Sunday. At this time, amounts remain quite uncertain, but snowfall accumulations of five to 15 cm are possible by Saturday night.”

Lesser elevation passes, including Rogers Pass, the Coquihalla Highway – Merritt to Kamloops and the Okanagan Connector, should see snow near the summits beginning Friday with light accumulations possible through the weekend.

Areas along the BC – Alberta border is expected to see snow as well, Environment Canada said.

“In the Elk Valley, freezing levels will hover just above the valley bottom on Friday and drop Friday evening. A changeover to snow is likely Friday night with periods of snow possibly persisting through Sunday. Again, accumulations remain uncertain at this time, but five to 10 cm by Saturday night is plausible.”

A return to drier conditions and seasonal temperatures are expected early next week.

Thus far the weather statement has not been applied to other areas of the region, though cooler temperatures and chances of flurries remain in the forecast.

e-KNOW

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