Mild weather in Metro Vancouver coming to an end

We have seen warmer-than-normal temperatures so far this year, but don’t put away your toques just yet.

Meteorologists say an arctic air mass is on its way to Metro Vancouver, bringing with it below-seasonal temperatures.

“When we think of an arctic air mass, what we are really describing is air that is very, very cold and dry and it originates in the Arctic,” said Alyssa Charbonneau, a meteorologist with Environment and Climate Change Canada.

“As we see weather patterns set up that bring that air further north, that’s the pattern that can bring us those bitterly cold conditions in our winters.”

Environment Canada says Vancouver will see temperatures dropping below zero in the upcoming days. However, it isn’t expected to be too out of the ordinary for this time of year.

“In the eastern and southern interior parts of B.C., we’ll see temperatures that are more below seasonal temperatures,” Charbonneau said.

“And out on the coast, we’re looking for temperatures to be 2-5 degrees below normal.”

As for the rest of the season, Environment Canada says fairly typical winter conditions can be expected.