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By Holly Miyasaki
Mom Oxana Konayeva gives son Max a little push while enjoying the warm temperatures in City Park Wednesday. (Photo Gary Moore)
Tired of being wet? The alternative could be a bit chillier.
According to Environment Canada meteorologist Jim Steele, the normal daytime high for this time of year ranges from – 1 C to -5 C.
While the warm, wet weather is putting a damper on winter for some people, it’s not that unusual.
“To not have a thaw in January is more uncommon than having a thaw,” says Steele, adding the record for the area is between 6 C and 10 C. The highest recorded in the past few days has been 5 C, on Jan. 11.
And while it seems to be wet, Steele says so far we’ve had only about two millimetres of precipitation.
The current forecast is thanks to a persistent, mild and moist southeasterly flow coming from the Pacific Northwest into Southern and Central B.C. and extending into Eastern Alberta.
“Right now, through the weekend and early next week we’re still looking at a fairly mild pattern,” says Steele, adding there may be some cooling through the weekend and early next week. “The big thing is there’s no snow and it’s mild.”
At higher elevations, on the other hand, Kelowna’s warmer temperatures are translating into lots of snow.
“We got about 20 centimetres yesterday,” reports Big White’s senior vice-president, Michael J. Ballingall.
Ballingall adds he’s heard some Australian skiers say it’s the best conditions they’ve ever skied.
Kelowna International Airport, which appeared to be fogged in Wednesday morning, hasn’t felt the effects of the fog or rain.
“Everything’s on time,” says Jenelle Hynes, airport communications co-ordinator, adding while the weather is out of anyone’s control, the airport is fully ready for winter operations.
For those with questions about the timeliness of their flights, check www.ylw.aero for arrival and departure information.
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