The Cariboo region was in a deep freeze for the first part of February but now old man winter is starting to loosen his icy grip.
Chris Doyle, Meteorologist with Environment Canada said now we are into a more Westerly flow of warmer Pacific air bringing it with it a series of systems over the next few days.
“For today (February 19) we’re looking at a much higher chance of snow but as the week goes on into Thursday and Friday we’re looking at a higher chance of rain rather snow especially in the lower terrain. Above the river valleys you’re more likely to see snow.”
Doyle said looking at long term statistics there is usually some kind of thaw in February, as a ridge builds on the Coast and then the storm treks North of the Cariboo.
“A thaw in February is not terribly unusual although the magnitude of this system is pretty impressive. For example, the forecast for maximum daytime temperature for both Quesnel and Williams Lake this Saturday (February 22) is 9 degrees. It’s close to the record, for Williams Lake it was 11.1 in 1964 and for Quesnel it was 12.1 in 1981 so those communities are within a couple of degrees for a record daily maximum if the forecast for Saturday holds out.,” Doyle said.
As the system remains in the Cariboo Doyle noted that the Region will dry out Sunday into the early part of next week.
“Even so winter isn’t over yet. Our long range models do indicate the chance of another cooler air mass starting in late February extending into early March. Temperatures should certainly revert to more seasonal by the end of this month,” Doyle noted.
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