Central Okanagan

Photo: Deborah Pfeiffer

Rain and snow in the forecast for now

The best days to travel during the busy holiday period will be Christmas Eve and Christmas, according to a meteorologist with Environment Canada.

That is when it will start drying out, after a stormy period brings rain and snow to the Okanagan through Saturday. Elsewhere in the province, snow is expected over higher terrain and in east and west passes, said Doug Lundquist.

The next 24 hours should be the most risky to hit the road with 15 cm of snow expected on the Coquihalla Highway between Hope and Merritt, 20 cm in the Kootenay Pass and 10 cm in the Rogers Pass area.

The drying period starts early in the week, with  Arctic air  possibly pushing south into the Okanagan, Monday and Tuesday, said Lundquist.

To ensure people get to their destinations safely, he advises checking here for the weather forecast and driveBC for road conditions.

"If we bring weather into our plans and have patience, we can reduce travelling risks," he said.

Although snow is not expected to fall on Christmas day, there should still be enough around to make for a white Christmas in the valley, he said.

Click here for snow fall history across the country.