Happy wet Monday to you, Squamish.
Squamish meteorologist Jason Ross says that a strong frontal system will impact the south coast this morning, resulting in periods of heavy rain at times and locally windy conditions along the coast. Additionally, heavy alpine snow may cause challenging travel conditions on mountain passes, such as the Coquihalla Highway between Hope and Merritt through Tuesday morning.
What is the difference between rain and showers?
"Showers imply the weather will change a lot during the day with rain on and off, whereas rain will bring continuous wet weather for hours at a time, and then it will clear," reads the Met Office College website.
We will see a high of 9 C and a nighttime low of -1 C.
According to Environment Canada data, yesterday's hot spot in B.C. was Sisters Islets (a close grouping of rocks located in the Strait of Georgia off the northwest end of Lasqueti Island), which hit 12.7 C. (Squamish saw a high of 10.3 C on Nov. 3).
The cold spot in B.C. yesterday was Dawson Creek, which saw a dip to -11.5 C.
Today's B.C. hot spot is predicted to be Tofino, which could reach 12.6 C.
Today's cold spot is set to be Fort Nelson, which is forecast to dip to -13.5 C.
Looking ahead
A ridge of high pressure will build with drier conditions on Tuesday, wet weather will return by Friday.
Sunrise & sunset
Sunrise on Nov. 4 was at 7:08 a.m. Sunset today will be at 4:44 p.m. (Ack!)
Moon phase
The moon is in its waxing crescent phase.
"This phase is called the waxing crescent because the area illuminated on the surface of the moon makes the shape of a crescent, and the term waxing means increasing. This phase is one step in the cycle away from the first quarter phase, so the angle of the Earth, moon, and sun is almost perpendicular," reads the Kopernik Observatory & Science Center site.
The moon's illumination is currently 8.78%.
The moon is currently located in the constellation of Pisces, according to phasesmoon.com.
Moonrise is at 11 a.m.; moonset is at 6:05 p.m.
Tides
The next high tide will be at 8:13 a.m. (height: 4.53 metres); the next low tide today is at 1:13 p.m. (height: 3.57 m), according to tide-forecast.com.
The final high tide will be at 5:36 p.m. (4.16 m)
Seawater temp
According to seatemperature.info, the seawater temperature in Howe Sound today is 9.9 C.
Based on historical data over a period of 10 years, the warmest water on this day in Howe Sound was recorded in 2014 and was 10.9 C, and the coldest was recorded in 2011 at 8.9 C.
Seawater temperature in Howe Sound is expected to drop to 8.8 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.
Got batteries?
Have a bunch of old batteries lying around?
The District's curbside battery collection program starts today, Nov. 4 to Nov. 8.
Simply put out your batteries on your regular garbage and organics collection day this week.
→ Place batteries into clear, sealable plastic bags.
→ On your regular collection day this 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 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.
Nov. 6, head to Wood First Wednesdays, if wood is your thing, from 6 to 8 p.m.. This week's meeting is to be held at 1126 Resolution Way.
"Connect with fellow woodworkers, contribute with fellow individuals who appreciate working with wood. Foster collaboration and innovation in our industry by sharing," 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, the least expensive regular gas is going for 167.9 cents per litre at Squamish Valley Gas Bar, at 9001 Valley Dr.
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 again Penticton, where you can fill up for 148.9/L, at the Gen7 Fuel Station, located at 101 Green Mountain Rd.
