Winter is here, and in BC, it feels like we're constantly guessing - will it be clear skies or a torrential downpour? The 2025 forecast promises a mixed bag, with southern BC bracing for below-average temperatures and northern BC experiencing a milder but wetter season. 

La Niña, a climate pattern triggered by cooler ocean waters in the Pacific (2024), is driving much of this. La Niña winters typically bring colder temperatures and higher precipitation, but this year's influence isn't expected to kick in until late January and will likely fade by March. 

In the meantime, get ready for a wet winter and keep those rain boots handy. Preparation is key, whether it's snow, rain, or sunny skies! 

What you should know about winter weather advisories 

Advisories are your best resource for understanding the risks of driving in the winter. The most common winter weather advisories are shown below, along with definitions: 

• If a winter storm warning is issued, a substantial winter weather event, such as snow or ice, is either occurring or is anticipated in your area. Travel should be avoided if at all feasible because roads might be unsafe. 

• A snowfall warning is issued when a lot of snow is expected, usually more than 15 cm in 12 hours. Accumulation can cause delays, icy roadways, and reduced visibility. 

• Freezing rain warnings occur when conditions are hazardous, especially on roads and sidewalks. It can also lead to power outages due to ice on power lines and trees. 

• An atmospheric river warning means heavy rain, flooding, and dangerous driving conditions are expected. Roads could become slick, and landslides can occur.  

• Blizzard warnings occur when heavy snow combined with strong winds is expected to reduce visibility to near zero, making travel extremely dangerous. 

How to interpret road condition reports 

Along with weather advisories, understanding road conditions is crucial before heading out. Road reports provide real-time updates on the state of the roads and can help you make safer travel decisions. 

In BC, you can use a live road map to get real-time updates on road conditions, traffic incidents, weather, traffic flow, and planned events - all in one place.  

For a more detailed view of traffic, weather, and highway conditions, BC HighwayCams offers instantaneous visual updates. 

Smart strategies for safe winter driving 

Now that you know how to read weather advisories and road conditions, it's time to make smarter decisions when driving in winter weather: 

• Don't blindly trust GPS in winter; check local road and weather reports for real-time conditions. 

• Ensure your car has a fully stocked emergency kit with extra windshield-washer fluid, blankets, water, non-perishable snacks, a flashlight, batteries, a first aid kit, jumper cables, and a cell phone charger. 

• Understand your vehicle's limitations in winter conditions. Familiarize yourself with how your vehicle handles snow, ice, and cold weather, and avoid pushing it too far. If your car struggles in specific conditions, plan your journey accordingly and prepare to take pauses. 

For more resources, check out our other articles, such as Driving for work and employer responsibilities, or Get ready for winter driving now.