Snow is starting this morning over the south coast mountain ranges as a low pressure system approaches. 

Strong outflow winds through the mainland inlets. 

Cloudy over the southern interior. In the afternoon, snow spreads to the southern interior ranges. 

A weakening frontal system will bring clouds to the area this afternoon. 

A slight chance of light snow late this afternoon. 

Temperatures will remain steady near -25°C. 

Forecast for Tonight - 4 p.m to 4 a.m PST:

The heaviest snowfall is expected over Vancouver Island, due to the low pressure centre close to it and the persistent outflow winds giving enhanced precipitation over the eastern sections of Vancouver Island. However, outflow winds will weaken this evening. The low pressure centre also weakens tonight as it gets close to Tofino. 

Extreme southwest ridgetop winds over Vancouver Island.

Strong outflow winds will persist through the mainland inlets over the north coast. 

Snow continues as the frontal system tracks across the southern interior ranges. Higher snowfall amounts are expected in the southern sections near the frontal system. 

Periods of light snow and occasional blowing snow. 

Forecast for Saturday - 4 a.m to 4 p.m PST:

Some flurries over the south coast mountain ranges will ease off on Saturday. 

A trough of low pressure will bring snow to the south coast mountain ranges starting Saturday afternoon and continue to Sunday morning. The heaviest snowfall accumulations will be near the Sea-to-Sky and South Coast ranges. 

Some flurries will linger over the Cariboos and Monashees on Saturday.

A trough of low pressure will bring snow to the interior mountain ranges on Saturday night. However, lesser snowfall accumulations are expected than those over the south coast ranges as the trough of low pressure weakens as it moves onshore. 

Light snow ending early Saturday morning. 

Snow will gradually ease off on Sunday as a ridge of high pressure builds. 

Valley cloud or fog is possible on Monday on a ridge of high pressure. 

Freezing levels are likely rising to 2000 to 2500 metres on Monday over Vancouver Island and South Coast. 

A weakening Arctic high pressure and an incoming low pressure system will usher in warmer temperatures for Sunday. Highs are expected to rise to -15°C. Outflow winds will diminish and will switch to light inflow Sunday night.

Temperatures continue to rise on Monday with highs near -10°C under cloudy skies. Light inflow southerly winds. Light snow will begin overnight on Monday ahead of another approaching frontal system.

A Low and A Trough

Yimei Li and Jon Bau

Today's storm is a low pressure centre approaching Vancouver Island. This low will weaken without moving onshore. Therefore, the heaviest snowfall is over the Vancouver Island mountain ranges.

Saturday's storm is a trough of low pressure moving to the south coast on Saturday night and the interior on Sunday. The heaviest snowfall will be over the Sea-to-Sky and South Coast mountain ranges. 