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Be prepared: It is going to feel like -20 in Vancouver next week

The City of Vancouver notes that the Powell Street Getaway will be open as a warming centre from tonight until Jan. 15. 
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Photo: Vancouver snow / Shutterstock

You're going to want to be prepared for the cold weather next week.

Environment Canada is calling for some chilling temperatures in Vancouver as very cold arctic air from the B.C. Interior will arrive on the South Coast.

While the forecast calls for a mix of sun and cloud during the day on Thursday, Jan. 9, a low tracking south along the B.C. coast will spread moisture overnight. With temperatures hovering near the freezing mark, a mix of rain or snow is forecast across the region. 

Daily highs are expected to range between 3°C and 4°C over the next few days, with lows between 1°C and 3°C. However, a cold weather system is expected to bring arctic air into the Lower Mainland by Sunday.

Vancouver Is Awesome spoke to Matt MacDonald, Meteorologist, Environment Canada, about what locals should expect over the coming week. 

"We will be struggling to get up to 3°C over the next few days," notes MacDonald. "But true arctic air will reach the coast on Sunday."

MacDonald reports that temperatures could dip as low as -10°C Monday, with a chilly daytime high of -1°C. Further, blustery winds will make temperatures feel decidedly colder. 

"Monday and Tuesday will see some strong easterly winds move through the Fraser Valley," he explains.

MacDonald adds that blustery 40 km/h winds can make -9°C or -10°C temperatures feel as cold as -20.  As such, he recommends that people prepare for the cold weather by wearing appropriate attire, such as toques, puffy jackets, scarves, and gloves. 

The City of Vancouver notes that the Powell Street Getaway will be open as a warming centre from tonight until Jan. 15. 

On March 4, 2019, the Province approved additional operating funding to keep eight temporary shelters and nearly 240 beds open, until March 31, 2020.