Bitter cold, snow forecast for parts of B.C.

VANCOUVER - Extreme cold is in the forecast for parts of British Columbia, while residents in other areas are being warned that snow is on the way.

Special weather statements have been issued by Environment Canada including the Cariboo, West Columbia and Williston regions, with a prediction of 10 to 20 centimetres of snow starting Friday night.

Metro Vancouver, the Fraser Valley, Sunshine Coast, Greater Victoria and the Malahat highway are expected to get up to five centimetres of snow over the same time frame.

Extreme cold warnings have been issued for the Peace River and Dease Lake regions, although that is expected to ease by late Thursday.

It says a cold arctic air mass has settled over northeastern B.C., resulting in temperatures around minus 26 and wind child values near minus 40.

The weather office has also issued an Arctic outflow warning for the North Coast inland sections, predicting wind chill values for the area including Kitimat and Terrace of around minus 20.