Image: File image / Pattison Media

By Fraser Valley Today Staff

Weather woes

Winter storm warning for Coquihalla as Fraser Valley prepares for cold snap next week

Jan 31, 2025 | 7:44 AM

CHILLIWACK — Environment Canada issued a winter storm warning for the Coquihalla Highway between Hope and Merritt on Friday (Jan. 31).

Motorists traveling the route should expect between 25 to 35 centimetres of snow along the highway by Saturday morning, with the highest accumulations likely near the summit.

According to Canada’s national weather agency, a Pacific frontal system will move through the Interior, delivering heavy snowfall on Friday and Saturday. The agency says the snow could be accompanied by strong southwesterly winds, which are expected to develop Friday night and continue through Saturday morning. As a result, drivers may experience poor visibility due to blowing snow.

High-elevation areas of the Fraser Valley could see some snow on Friday; however, urban areas are more likely to receive precipitation in the form of rain. In a Special Weather Statement, Environment Canada warns residents to expect significant rainfall of up to 20 millimetres on Friday.

Snow flurries are likely on Saturday and Sunday across the Fraser Valley as overnight temperatures dip to the freezing mark. Forecasts for Chilliwack and Abbotsford indicate flurries or snowfall will continue through Monday.

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The City of Chilliwack says its crews are preparing for possible snowfall this weekend and is urging local drivers to slow down and adjust their speed according to road conditions.

Very cold air is expected to settle over the South Coast next week as an arctic ridge slides south. Temperatures could be 5 to 8 degrees Celsius below normal for this time of year. Overnight lows of minus 5 degrees or colder are expected to begin Sunday night and persist throughout the week.