Happy Diwali to you, Squamish.
Read this story if you are looking to celebrate the occasion or learn more.
Today, Nov. 1, Squamish meteorologist Jason Ross says we can expect that a cold upper-level low-pressure system positioned off the B.C. coast will continue to funnel rain bands towards the south coast throughout the day as it moves slowly eastward.
We can expect between 10 to 20 millimetres of the wet stuff.
We will see a high of 6 C and a nighttime low of 2 C.
According to Environment Canada data, yesterday's hot spot in B.C. was White Rock, which hit 13.8 C. (Squamish saw a high of 8.7 C on Oct. 31).
The cold spots in B.C. were Dease Lake and Puntzi Mountain, which both saw a dip to -8.7 C.
Today's B.C. hot spot is predicted to be Discovery Island (off the eastern side of Vancouver Island), which could reach 9.5 C.
Today's cold spot is set to be Puntzi Mountain (located 117 road miles west of Williams Lake), which are both forecast to dip to -9.9 C.
Looking ahead
Ross said that shower activity will decrease late tonight into Saturday morning before a weakening frontal system brings increased precipitation Saturday night into early Sunday morning.
A temporary ridge of high pressure will then build over the region on Sunday, with dry conditions for the South Coast, before a strong frontal system brings rain to the B.C. coast on Sunday night into Monday.
Temperatures will be in the mid-to-high during the day and hover around 2 C at night.
Sunrise & sunset
Sunrise on Nov. 1 was at 8:03 a.m. Sunset today will be at 5:40 p.m.
Remember that daylight saving time ends this Sunday, Nov. 3, with clocks rolling back one hour at 2 a.m., making it dark even earlier each night.
Moon phase
The moon is in its new moon phase.
The moon's illumination is currently 0.01%.
The moon is currently located in the constellation of Pisces, according to phasesmoon.com.
Moonrise was at 8:26 a.m.; moonset is at 5:34 p.m.
Tides
The next low tide will be at 12:18 p.m. (height: 3.08 metres); the next high tide today is at 5:26 p.m. (height: 4.25 m), according to tide-forecast.com.
Seawater temp
According to seatemperature.info, the seawater temperature in Howe Sound today is 9.8 C.
Based on historical data over a period of 10 years, the warmest water on this day in Howe Sound was recorded in 2015 and was 11.2 C, and the coldest was recorded in 2007 at 9 C.
Seawater temperature in Howe Sound is expected to drop to 9.2 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.
What to do with those pumpkins now
Pumpkins are huge bear attractants. Here are two ways to dispose of them that are safe—and fun!
Squamish 4-H Pumpkin Disposal Depot
When: Today, Friday, Nov. 1, 6 to 8 p.m.
Where: Brackendale Elementary School
In collaboration with Iona, a 4-H member promoting sustainable solutions, Squamish 4-H is hosting a pumpkin disposal depot. Bring your pumpkins and jack-o'-lanterns and drop them into the truck bed to be taken to local farms for composting.
If you can’t attend, they encourage composting your pumpkins at home to reduce landfill waste and repurpose them for environmental good!
Pumpkin Drop – Squamish Fire Rescue Fundraiser
When: Sunday, Nov. 3, 1 to 3 p.m.
Where: Alex Munro Fire Hall 1, 37890 Clarke Dr.
Looking for a way to get rid of your pumpkins after Halloween while supporting a good cause?
Bring your pumpkins and make a donation to Squamish Community Christmas Care, and watch the firefighters drop them from the hose tower at Hall 1!
Parking: Please park only in the designated visitor spots or the overflow lot.
Got batteries?
Have a bunch of old batteries lying around?
The District's curbside battery collection program is on the week of Nov. 4 to 8.
Simply put out your batteries on your regular garbage and organics collection day that week.
→ Place batteries into clear, sealable plastic bags.
→ On your regular collection day that week, place the sealed battery bags on top of your recycling tote.
That is it!
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.
Spit Road closure
The Squamish Training Berm (Spit Road) is now closed until Nov. 15, as Squamish River Watershed Society (SRWS) crews install a third large fish-friendly box culvert.
"This feature will replace the current undersized culvert, which will improve fish access and allow freshwater to transfer into the central estuary channel from the Squamish River," reads a SRWS post.
The work is part of the Central Estuary Restoration Project.
Events to note
There's always something going on in this town.
Tonight, celebrate the BAG 52nd Anniversary Launch with The Little Biggs Band, from 8 to 10:30 p.m.
"Monty Biggins "Little Biggs Band" is binging some great party music - hot jazz, americana, blues and soul music. He has performed well over 3,000 gigs in the Fraser Valley, Sea to Sky & Lower Mainland of BC, since 2010. This is a free event!," reads the listing.
Nov. 2, gamers unite at the Board Game Meetup at Arrow Wood Games, from 7 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. (The store is located at 38157 2 Ave.)
"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.
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."
Drive BC Highway 99 issues to note
Coming up: Highway 99, northbound. Utility work is planned between Taylor Way and Lake Placid Rd for 0.4 km (Whistler), starting Thursday, Nov. 14 at 9 a.m. until 7 p.m. that night. The right turn lane will be closed.
Gas prices
In Squamish, regular gas is going for 168.9 cents per litre at most local stations.
In Whistler, petrol is 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 Peachland, where you can fill up for 148.9/L, at the Petro Canada, located at 80-5550 Clements Cres.
