A blanket has fallen across Vancouver, but its thickness varies Environment Canada Philippe-Alain Bergeron meteorologist tells V.I.A. So far only 3 cm has fallen at Vancouver's airport, but there's been an unofficial measurement of 9 cm downtown, and 15 cm measured in West Vancouver.

Parts of the Howe Sound and Fraser Valley will feel dramatically colder. Arctic outflow warnings have been issued for these areas, as powerful winds make temperatures feel as cold as -20 C. "Frostbite and hypothermia can occur within minutes if adequate precautions are not taken when outdoors," advises Environment Canada.

Metro Vancouverites should enjoy a drying trend following this week's snowstorm but another one could be on the way. Environment Canada Meteorologist Alyssa Charbonneau tells V.I.A. that the snowfall is expected to wane in the Lower Mainland after Wednesday, Feb. 5 as a moist Pacific system weakens.

Temperatures already several degrees below seasonal averages will feel significantly colder, with parts of the Fraser Valley and eastern Metro Vancouver experiencing -20 C windchill. Temperatures at Vancouver International Airport (YVR) could feel as cold as -10 C or lower.

A winter storm could wallop the Lower Mainland with up to 30 cm of snowfall this weekend. Environment Canada Meteorologist Alyssa Charbonneau told V.I.A. that Saturday, Feb. 1 will be cool with isolated snow showers that could get heavy with minor accumulations but no significant snowfall is expected.

While snow days don’t happen often in Metro Vancouver, it’s still a challenge for parents who need to make last-minute child care arrangements — but a pleasant surprise for kids hoping to fit in a day of snow fun.

The first snowy blast of winter in Metro Vancouver is expected to continue with up to 25 centimetres of snow predicted in some areas before it's done today.