Happy Saturday, Squamish.
Batten down the hatches, folks, we are in for an interesting couple of days of weather.
Environment Canada has issued a special weather statement for the Howe Sound region, which includes Squamish.
This applies for today into tonight. Heavy rain and strong winds are expected.
"A Pacific frontal system will arrive today, bringing periods of heavy rain and strong winds to the south coast," the statement reads. "Over Howe Sound and Metro Vancouver, light rain will start this morning and become heavier near noon. As precipitation intensity increases, snow levels could lower to near 150 metres this afternoon resulting in heavy rain becoming mixed with wet snow over higher terrain."
For folks on the roads, this means they must adjust their driving for the changing conditions. Total rainfall amounts of up to 40 mm are expected before the heavy rain tapers off to a few showers overnight.
From Squamish to Whistler, and beyond there's a whole other set of issues to contend with.
The first significant snowfall of the season is expected.
From 10 to 15 cm of snow likely.
"Drivers are reminded to prepare for winter driving conditions. Visibility may be reduced at times in snow."
Today, we will see a high of 3 C and a low overnight of 3 C.
Local meteorologist Jason Ross sums up what we can expect next.
"Freezing levels will rise near 1,200 m on Saturday evening as the warm sector of the front lifts across the area with ample precipitation. An upper trough will maintain cool and unsettled conditions over the south coast Sunday into early next week, with low freezing levels near 500 m and a chance of flurries at times over higher terrain on the coast," he said.
B.C. extremes
Yesterday's hot spot in all of B.C. was Osoyoos, which hit 11 C, according to Environment Canada data.
The coldest spot in B.C. on Nov. 15 was Fort Nelson, which dropped to -17.5 C.
Today's hot spot is set to be Cumshewa Island ( a former village of the Haida people located on the north flank of Cumshewa Inlet in the Haida Gwaii of the North Coast), which could reach 10.6 C.
The cold spot will be Fort Nelson, which is set to dip to -12.2 .
Sunrise & sunset
Sunrise on Nov. 16 was at 7:27 a.m. Sunset today will be at 4:27 p.m.
Moon phase
It is a full moon, folks!
The moon's illumination is currently 99.14 %.
The moon is currently located in the constellation of Taurus, according to phasesmoon.com.
Moonrise is at 4:38 p.m.; moonset is at 8:55 a.m.
Tides
The next low tide will be at 11:32 a.m. (height: 3.42 m); the next high tide today is at 4:26 p.m. (height: 4.66 m), according to tide-forecast.com.
The final (low) tide of the day will be at 11:45 p.m. (0.08 m).
Seawater temp
According to seatemperature.info, the seawater temperature in Howe Sound today is 8.9 C. Based on historical data over a period of 10 years, the warmest water on this day in Howe Sound was recorded in 2016 and was 9.9 C, and the coldest was recorded in 2020 at 7.9 C.
Seawater temperature in Howe Sound is expected to drop to 8.2 C in the next 10 days.
November average water temperature in Howe Sound is 8.8 C, the minimum temperature is 7.3 C, and the maximum is 11.2 C.
Winter tires
Don't forget, since Oct. 1, winter tires or chains are required on the Sea to Sky Highway. It is the law.
"On B.C. roads and highways where winter tires are required, passenger vehicles and light trucks need to use tires that have the three-peaked mountain and snowflake symbol or 'M+S' on the sidewall. This applies to two-wheel, all-wheel, and four-wheel drive vehicles. The tires need to be in good condition and have a tread depth of at least 3.5 mm (5/32”)," reads the 4 Road Safety at Work site.
"Designated winter tires are your best option for staying safe in winter conditions. We recommend using a set of four matched winter tires with the 3-peaked mountain and snowflake symbol."
The tires must stay on through to March 31. Not having proper winter tires or chains can earn drivers a fine of $121.
Events to note
There's always something going on in this town. Here are some events that caught our eye.
Today, there's a Board Game Meetup at Arrow Wood Games, from 7 to 10:30 p.m.
"Join Arrow Wood Games for an evening of fun, games and social connections. The event host will carefully select the perfect games for the group while fostering a fun and positive environment. No prior game knowledge or experience is necessary," reads the listing.
The store is located at 38157 2 Ave.
Also today, put on your dancing shoes for Disco Not Disco Trickster's Hideout, located at 38005 Cleveland Ave, from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.
“Disco Not Disco returns for one more session to wrap up their debut year. Hosted by local selectors Cooper Saver, Coner, and Ruben (of Hand Jam Records), this party is their outlet to explore the depths of their record collections in the form of a tag-team jam all night long,” reads the listing.
There are many more events coming up; go to our online events calendar to see them all! Want a possible shout-out in our daily report? Load your event into our free calendar by clicking "create an event."
Driving issues to note today
No major issues to note today! (Other than the weather making driving a challenge.)
Gas prices
In Squamish, the least expensive regular gas is going for 167.9 cents per litre at Squamish Valley Gas Bar at 9001 Valley Dr.
In Whistler, you can fill up for 170.9/L at the Chevron, located at 8110 Crazy Canuck Dr.
According to GasBuddy, one of the least expensive places for gas today in B.C. is Dewdney, where you can fill up for 143.9/L at the Centex, located at 36671 Lougheed Hwy.
