Metro Vancouverites venturing across the province over the Victoria Day long weekend should brace for hazardous driving conditions in mountain passes.
The Metro Vancouver weather forecast doesn't include snowfall, but road conditions could be affected by changing weather on select alpine highways.
Environment Canada issued a special weather statement on Friday, May 16, for the Okanagan Connector from Merritt to Kelowna, warning travellers of a frontal system bringing light flurries to the Pennask Summit.
The advisory states that "weather in the mountains can change suddenly, resulting in hazardous driving conditions." Drivers should slow down and maintain a safe distance from other vehicles.
Snowfall accumulations were expected to be minimal (under 5 cm), but Environment Canada meteorologist Matt Loney tells V.I.A. another potentially more impactful system could produce hazardous conditions on B.C.'s highways overnight Saturday.
"At this time of year, we still have some colder air in the atmosphere," he says, noting that conditions have improved Friday, but another snow event is possible if freezing levels drop.
"It's a bit of an unsettled weekend with an upper disturbance that's anchored just off the coast," he adds.
Travellers driving across the Coquihalla may see more significant "mixed precipitation" overnight on Saturday, which is expected to continue through Sunday until about midday.
Freezing levels may also drop again on the Okanagan Connector at the Pennask Summit, creating hazardous road conditions.
Road conditions are available on DriveBC's website.
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