Cooler temperatures are going to lead to snow, rather than rain, by this evening (January 11) in some areas of the Lower Mainland.

Environment Canada is predicting nearly 20 centimetres of snow by Sunday (January 12) afternoon in higher elevations in West Vancouver, North Vancouver, and Coquitlam.

Five to 10 centimetres will fall in Vancouver, Burnaby, and New Westminster.

"Some uncertainty remains for Surrey and Langley as southerly winds are forecast to develop overnight which may moderate temperatures and keep precipitation as rain or a mix of rain and snow such that accumulations are reduced," Environment Canada says. "However, over the northern sections near Fraser Heights, snow accumulations near 5 centimetres are possible."

Delta and Richmond are more likely to see rain because of southerly winds, according to the national weather forecaster.