This cold weather will be over soon. In the meantime, we can thank a polar vortex that shifted here from Siberia for the freezing temperatures.
"Believe it or not, it's weakened," says Environment Canada Senior Meteorologist Dave Phillips. "It doesn't stay around like a pole just spinning around at the top, it spreads out. In fact, it's engulfed all of Western Canada and even parts of the United States. There are extreme cold warnings out for five provinces and three territories."
Phillips says we've actually been lucky in avoiding the cold weather until now.
"December was mild than normal as was early January," he says. "People were wondering where winter was. Well, no mistaking it this is winter at it's worst. In fact, this cold this year, so far, had been colder even than the coldest moments last year."
So when will this cold snap end? It should start warming up by the weekend.
"Last year the cold snap lasted for six or seven weeks," says Phillips. "This one looks like a one week wonder. I think, just be patient. I will come to an end soon.
Environment Canada's forecast for the Central Okanagan calls for snow tonight and more flurries Friday. Temperatures will get to zero by Sunday and plus two starting Monday.
--With files from CTV--