The coldest spot in B.C. Friday morning, Jan. 12, 2024 is Puntzi Mountain in the Chilcotin at -46.9, but it feels like -55C, according to Environment Canada.
Some school buses in the Chilcotin are not running due to mechanical issues and the extreme cold.
School bus numbers 38 and 32, servicing the Tatla Lake area, and #24 servicing Alexis Creek are cancelled due to extreme cold, while bus #27 servicing the Anahim Lake area and bus #18 servicing the Big Lake area are cancelled due to mechanical issues.
School bus #23, servicing the Alkali Lake - Dog Creek area is cancelled due to a downed power line across the road. School bus #7, servicing Horsefly to town, is cancelled due to driver shortage.
In Williams Lake the early morning temperature is -33C and buses are running.
SD27 trustees revamped the district’s transportation policy three years ago, including its cold weather procedures, removing the temperature of -32C at which buses stop running. Parents are urged to exercise their own discretion with regard to sending their child to school, said the district superintendent earlier this week.
Meanwhile in Quesnel, all bus runs are cancelled for Friday, Jan. 12 due to extreme weather conditions. Schools are open, and teachers will be in attendance at schools. SD28 notes where there is sufficient attendance, regular instruction will take place.