The dry, warm conditions in the lower parts of the Comox Valley may feel more like fall than winter, but those who are waiting to break out the ski equipment might have to wait a bit longer.
“We don’t have quite enough snow to open at this moment, but we’ll know after the weekend,” explained Mount Washington Spokesperson Brent Curtain. “We’re expecting freezing levels to rise and a system to pass through, so we’ll know more on Monday.”
Opening day for the winter season is scheduled for Dec. 6 at 9 a.m., with night skiing scheduled to begin Dec. 12.
Curtain said he wouldn’t want to predict a date when skiing might begin, but added once there is enough snow, the resort will open.
Although warm weather has eased the Valley into winter, conditions will change dramatically, noted Dana Vettese, meteorologist for The Weather Network.
“If you haven’t gotten your winter coat out soon, you should do that. The cold is certainly coming,” she said.
“December will be off to winter weather. From the Comox Valley north to the Alaska border, expect temperaturew a bit bellow normal.”
Vettese explained a low pressure system from the south might bring some snow and cold temperatures, and because of that, if there is precipitation, “the snow won’t be going anywhere for awhile.”
She added there is a good chance of a cold temperature record being broken, particularly along the coast where temperatures may reach a possible low of -7C, predicted for Tuesday night.
While rain is predicted for both Saturday and Sunday with highs of 8C and 6C respectively, there is a 60 per cent chance of rain showers or flurries on Monday, when overnight temperatures may dip to -6C until Thursday, with highs of 0C.
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