Arctic air cooling down temperatures during mild January: Environment Canada

KAMLOOPS — While it’s not forecast to be as bitter or as dragged out as the extreme cold weather in December, Kamloops and area will experience temperatures below seasonal norms due to cold arctic air.

Environment Canada issued special statements for most of B.C. Thursday (Jan. 26) morning, stating that temperatures will be 10 to 20 degrees colder than normal for Central B.C. and the Southern Interior.

Jonathan Bau, a senior meteorologist for Environment Canada, says the arctic air will push through the Rockies Friday (Jan. 27) night and stay for five to six days. He says the statement is meant to prepare residents for cooler temperatures after a milder start to 2023.

“If you’re more sensitive to temperature, just be aware of how long you’re staying outdoors,” Bau says. “Dress warmly if you’re travelling along the highways, expect colder temperatures through the passes – the Coquihalla Highway and Okanagan Connector – and bring a winter kit with you just in case.”

Bau says the greatest windchill threat will be for Friday night and Saturday (Jan. 28) with winds picking up north to 30 km/h and gusts of up to 40 and 50. However, winds are expected to calm down Sunday (Jan. 29) through the middle of next week.