Environment Canada predicts snowfall for Kamloops area this week

Residents in the Kamloops area can expect more snowfall this week, with Environment Canada predicting flurries could start over Monday night.

Meteorologist Ken Dosanjh said Kamloops has stayed relatively dry and cool over the past two weeks, but a new weather system is expected to move over the province.

“To start the work week, we are expecting a mix of sun and clouds kind of day. However, a system over the north coast will begin to slide over the province and proceed to edge closer to Kamloops,” Dosanjh said.

“Now as it does, we're going to be increasing cloud cover and a chance of flurries overnight Monday.”

According to Environment Canada, Monday is expected to see a high of -3 C during the day, with the mercury dropping to -5 C overnight.

Tuesday is predicted to have a high of 0 C.

“Tuesday is where Kamloops is going to feel the full effect of the frontal system, where persistent flurries and accumulating snowfall looks likely,” Dosanjh said.

Dosanjh said some snow is also expected over mountain passes like the Coquihalla Highway, and added meteorologists will be keeping a close eye on the weather system to see if it will meet snowfall warning criteria.

“In addition, because it is a cold front, ahead of it, these highway passes like the Coquihalla Summit will start to receive strong southwesterly winds, because it kind of funnels through the valleys through there,” Dosanjh said.

“Strong winds and accumulating snowfall do look likely for the highway passes. Nothing of significance at this moment — no very large snowfall events, but some that will see the ground start to accumulate snowfall.”

Dosanjh said between two and five centimetres of snowfall is expected in Kamloops.

“We are expecting it to taper off Tuesday evening with a chance of flurries Tuesday night as the system progresses southwards,” Dosanjh said.

“This front will essentially force that ridge out of the province and now we will be entering a new and different airmass, one that's going to be more seasonal.”

Wednesday is expected to see a mix of sun and cloud, with a high of 0 C, while a more mild daytime high of 6 C is expected over Thursday and Friday. Overnight lows are expected to hover between 0 C and 1 C.

An early look at the weekend shows a daytime high of 3 C and cloudy skies on Saturday.