Bitterly cold Arctic air is moving into the region beginning Saturday, with temperatures upwards of five to 10 degrees below normal. (Windy.com)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

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Arctic air set to provide bitter winter punch to central Island

Jan 28, 2023 | 6:07 AM

NANAIMO — It’ll be brief, but it’ll be bitterly cold.

Environment Canada is calling for a ridge of Arctic air to begin moving into the mid-Island beginning Saturday, Jan. 28 and lasting for upwards of 72 hours.

Alyssa Charbonneau, meteorologist with Environment Canada, said the frosty air will see temperatures between five and 10 degrees below normal for this time of year.

“By Saturday night, a cold and clear night is expected with overnight lows around minus five. As this cold air settles in for Sunday into Monday, we’re looking at daytime temperatures near zero degrees.”

The system stems from the far north and involves a high pressure system working its way down from the Arctic circle, dragging cold air with it.

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“When that happens, that cold, dense Arctic air pools and surges through the coastal inlets,” Charbonneau added. “Places like the north and central coast, valleys inland can see some very strong winds combined with low temperatures and that gets wind chill that feels very cold.”

It’s not expected to last very long with warming due by Tuesday or Wednesday next week as a more typical Pacific pattern re-establishes itself.

However a combination of some cooler air with Pacific moisture could see light snowfalls according to Charbonneau.

“We are seeing some cloud and a bit of warming start to come in so even Monday night and Tuesday night, not expecting to drop quite as low as what we have Sunday night.

Environment Canada issued a special weather statement for much of B.C. advising people to take extra precautions during the brief cold snap.

“If outside, dress warmly in layers. Be prepared for cold temperatures and strong winds. Drive with care, especially along coastal routes exposed to outflow winds,” the statement read.

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