La Niña likely to bring colder, snowier winter to South Coast

If you drive a lot in Metro Vancouver, this may be the year to invest in some snow tires. Meteorologists are predicting B.C.'s South Coast could be in for a colder and snowier winter.

Armel Castellan, a meteorologist with Environment and Climate Change Canada, says there is an 85 per cent chance of a moderate to strong La Niña this season.

La Niña is a climate phenomenon that results in abnormally cooler sea-surface temperatures along the equatorial Pacific Ocean, which can drive down the winter temperatures on North America's West Coast, he said.

Global meteorologists are projecting a “strengthening event through the winter” and a sea-surface temperature of around 1.3 C below normal, he said. Castellan noted that seasonal projections this early are very difficult to make, but says past moderate to strong La Niña events have caused colder-than-normal winters on B.C.'s South Coast. Although it's too early to predict how much more precipitation the region will see, Castellan said stronger La Niña events do tend to bring more snow and rain.

“The chance of seeing snow at sea level is high during à La Niña,” he said.

Environment Canada will release its winter projection Dec. 1.

“That's the one we like to hang our hat on,” said Castellan.

Meantime, skiing is going to look very different because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

At Whistler Blackcomb, you'll have to make a reservation whether you're a season pass-holder, and Edge-card skier, or someone who decides to book a ski day on a whim. Opening day is Nov. 26, and pass holders will have a window between Nov. 6 and Dec. 8 to choose seven priority days.