Environment Canada warns of wind-chill values around minus 20° C in Metro Vancouver

It's due to Arctic outflow winds bearing down on the region

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      It looks like snow will remain on the ground a while longer in the Lower Mainland.

      That's because the region has been hit with a blast of the coldest air of the season.

      This morning (December 27), Environment Canada issued an Arctic outflow warning for all of Metro Vancouver.

      According to the national weather forecaster, it will produce wind-chill values near or below -20° C. The cold snap will last through Wednesday (December 29).

      "The outflow and temperatures will moderate somewhat this afternoon and tonight but wind chill values are still expected to be between minus 10 and 20," Environment Canada said in a statement. "Stronger outflow and lower overnight temperatures are forecast for Tuesday night and Wednesday morning bringing wind chill values to near minus 20 again."

      The temperature as of 7 a.m. on December 27 was -14° C in Vancouver. A few flurries are expected this afternoon and on Tuesday (December 28).

      Environment Canada climatologist David Phillips told CBC News that very cold temperature can freeze skin within minutes and poses a serious threat to farm animals.

      A list of shelter beds is available here or on the City of Vancouver website or by phoning 2-1-1.

      Environment Canada did not say if this is one of the "blocking events" that lead weather systems to remain trapped in a place for an extended period of time.

      According to the Met Office in the U.K., these are associated with severe heat waves in summer and severe cold snaps in winter and are linked to slowing of the jet streams. Learn more about the jet streams in the video below.

      The Met Office created this video about the jet streams, which have a big impact on weather.

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