Ho, ho snow? Metro Vancouver residents dreaming of a white Christmas could be in luck

Metro Vancouver residents are used to rain on Christmas, but this year some folks — particularly those at higher elevations— might see a few flakes early in the morning.

Environment and Climate Change Canada says snow flurries are possible starting overnight Tuesday as temperatures drop to a low of 1 C.

However, any snowfall is likely to switch to rain during  Christmas Eve day as daytime highs climb to 5 C.

The federal weather agency says the mercury should drop again to 1 C overnight, with a slight chance of showers or snowflurries, which means some kids waking up at 5 a.m. to open stockings could see snow falling.

Again, temperatures will increase during the day on Christmas, with a slight chance of showers before dipping down overnight with more possible showers or snow flurries.

Boxing Day looks like a good day to stay home in pyjamas, as there’s a good chance of showers for Metro Vancouver with a high of 6 C.

Meantime, anyone driving somewhere to visit friends and family for the holidays is urged to heed travel warnings.

A snowfall warning remains in effect for the Coquihalla Highway, with up to 20 centimetres of snow expected Saturday and another 10 to 15 cm expected overnight. The snow will likely continue to fall Sunday through Monday, causing difficult driving conditions on the highway.

The agency warns visibility will likely be reduced at times and that road closures are possible. Weather in the mountains can change suddenly resulting in hazardous driving conditions.

Elsewhere in B.C., there are extreme cold-weather warnings in effect for the north and south Peace River, Cassiar mountain, Teslin and Watson Lake regions, with temperatures near -30 C.

An Arctic ridge is expected to cause wind chill values near -40 C Saturday for the Peace River region and -45 C to -50 C for the Cassiar, Teslin and Watson Lake areas.

A snowfall warning is also in effect for B.C.’s Central Coast, with up to 15 centimetres expected by Saturday night.

ticrawford@postmedia.com

Related