B.C. sees winter and spring weather with cold, rain and alpine snow

An active week sets up in B.C., thanks to a northerly low dipping south, bringing colder air with it. That will bring alpine snow, raising the risk of hazardous driving through the mountain passes, and a threat of thunderstorms for the South Coast on Wednesday

B.C. is on the receiving end of some active weather this week.

A moisture-laden storm in the short range will continue through Tuesday night and into Wednesday. It is bringing heavy rain to coastal areas and heavy alpine snow. The snow will raise the avalanche danger rating again on Wednesday.

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Weather Highlights:

  • Heavy rain, thunderstorms expected for the South Coast through midweek

  • Heavy mountain snow for some of the alpine regions

  • Avalanche threat will be climbing again on Wednesday

With low freezing levels around 900 to 1000 metres, substantial snow is expected for ski areas and mountain passes.

Cooler temperatures, rain, thunderstorm risk and alpine snow in B.C. this week

A low-pressure system sinking south along the coast will bring with it cooler temperatures, and the return of rain and snow for coastal communities.

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Moderate rates rainfall expected through Tuesday.

B.C. rainfall through Wednesday

A soggy forecast for the Lower Mainland with 20-40 mm forecast along the Fraser Valley, with locally higher totals north of the Fraser into higher elevations.

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Freezing levels will drop and hover near 900-1000 metres through Tuesday, falling even further in the wake of the system for Wednesday.

Accumulating snow is expected for the Coquihalla, Allison Pass, Eagle to Rogers Pass and Paulson Summit to Kootenay Pass. Between 15-25 cm of snow is forecast for some of the peak locations through Tuesday.

B.C. snowfall highway passes through Tuesday

Travellers through the mountain passes should anticipate slower drives with slick roads and accumulating snow, with multiple precipitation types also possible.

Wind gusts could also cause reduced visibility at times on the passes.

An avalanche threat will be climbing on Wednesday for many regions through the South Coast, with many locales moving to considerable for a couple of days.

B.C. forecast and icon conditions Wednesday

An upper-level low will settle over the province by midweek, keeping conditions cool and unsettled, with the risk for some thunderstorms that could produce heavy rain, lightning and small hail.

Stay with The Weather Network for the latest on your weather in B.C.

WATCH: Active weather pattern brings wind, rain, and mountain snow to B.C.