Brace for snow and cold

Mother Nature is doing all she can to ensure the Okanagan gets a white Christmas.

A big storm is expected across the valley, Tuesday.

Environment Canada has issued a special weather statement for the Okanagan, with snow and freezing temperatures forecast.

''The big weather story over the next 48 hours is the low-pressure system that is going to bring significant snowfall to the Southern Interior. The snow is set to begin tonight around midnight. It will continue all day Tuesday and taper off in the early hours of Wednesday," said Environment Canada meteorologist Lisa West. 

Total snowfall amounts will range from 15 to 25 centimetres, with the highest amounts falling near the U.S. border. Some regions in the Kootenays may get more than 25 cm from this storm.

Today should hover around 1 C, with Tuesday's high forecast at -2 C with 5 to 10 cm of snow.

Wednesday, the valley will see a mix of sun and cloud with a high of -1 C. 

Thursday will see a high -3 C and a 60 per cent chance of flurries.  

Friday, Saturday and Sunday should see a mix of sun and cloud with temperatures reaching only -5 C and dripping to -11 C overnight.