Snow returning to South Coast and this time shovelling may actually be necessary

British Columbians along the South Coastmay want to ready their shovels for real, with the forecast calling forsnow late Thursday and into Friday.

Environment Canada says most areas will receive at least a few centimetres, with potential for much higher accumulationover the Fraser Valley, Greater Victoria and eastern and inland Vancouver Island.

The snow is expected to be pushed out of the region late Fridayby bitterly cold Arctic winds that will be strongest over the Howe Sound-Whistler region, Fraser Valley, Greater Victoria and southern Gulf Islands. Falling windchill temperatures and reduced visibility due to blowing snow are expected.

Temperatures in Metro Vancouver could drop as low as 8 C Saturday night.

Meanwhile, extreme cold warnings remain in effect for the North Columbia, Peace River and Kinbasketregions, with wind chill values near 40 C Wednesday morning. Environment Canada says conditions could begin to warm this afternoon.

An Arctic outflow warning remains in placealong theinland section of the North Coast, including Kitimat and Terrace, but conditions will start to improve this afternoon.