Snow continued for a second day in Metro Vancouver on Monday, Feb. 3, 2025. CBC
A severe cold spell has hit coastal and northern British Columbia, bringing heavy snowfall and forcing schools and colleges to close. Extreme cold and arctic-outflow warnings have been issued across the province, with wind chills expected to drop as low as –45°C in the north and –25°C along the coast.
Public schools in several districts, including Langley, Abbotsford, Mission, and Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows, have been closed due to unsafe road conditions. Universities and colleges have also canceled in-person classes, including the University of British Columbia, the B.C. Institute of Technology, the University of the Fraser Valley, and Kwantlen Polytechnic's Langley and Cloverdale campuses. Capilano University's North Vancouver campus is also affected.
Environment Canada has warned that an arctic air mass is bringing strong winds that could last through Wednesday or longer in some inland areas. Snowfall warnings are in place for eastern and western Vancouver Island, the Southern Gulf Islands, the Sunshine Coast, and Metro Vancouver, with forecasts predicting between five and 20 centimeters of snow.
Extreme cold weather warnings have also been issued for several regions, including the North and South Peace River, Dease Lake, Elk Valley, Yoho Park, and Muncho Lake Park. These areas will experience dangerously cold temperatures, with wind chills making it feel as low as –45°C. Arctic outflow warnings are also in effect for parts of the central and north coasts, the Fraser Valley, Howe Sound, and Whistler.
Meteorologist Alyssa Charbonneau from Environment and Climate Change Canada said that while snowfall in Metro Vancouver will ease over the next few days, the cold air will remain, leading to icy conditions.
"Even though the chance of snow is decreasing, temperatures will stay well below normal, making it feel very cold," Charbonneau explained.
She also warned that overnight freezing could make sidewalks and roads dangerously slippery. Residents are advised to clear sidewalks in front of their homes to prevent ice buildup.
"Since Metro Vancouver often relies on milder temperatures to naturally melt snow, people need to be aware that this time, it may not disappear so easily," Charbonneau added.
With temperatures staying far below seasonal norms, officials urge people to dress warmly, drive carefully, and check for weather updates. The extreme cold may last several more days, making conditions especially challenging for those without proper shelter or winter preparedness.
