Arctic air set to ‘invade’ province

British Columbia will be getting another blast of cold winter weather.

Environment Canada has issued a special weather statement, advising that a “cold spell” is forecast for most of the province.

“Arctic air will invade B.C. beginning late Friday, with a major shift in temperature from our mild January,” the weather agency said.

Temperatures will be 10 to 20 degrees colder than normal for this time of year in the central and southern interior.

The arrival of the cold temperatures will be combined with gusty winds through the Interior, and may combine with snow in some areas.

The Okanagan is forecast to see overnight lows down to minus 14 on Sunday with daytime highs of minus 7 Sunday through Tuesday.

“Temperatures are expected to gradually rise late next week, in early February. However, there remains significant uncertainty on the timing of a return to seasonal temperatures,” Environment Canada stated.

Vernon’s average temperature so far this month is 1.8 degrees celsius, with the coldest day so far at minus 7 on Jan. 24.

Kelowna’s average temperature this month is 2.9 degrees celsius.