Environment Canada says drivers in British Columbia can expect to see the first snow of the season over elevated highway passes as early as this Friday.

It has issued special weather statements for the entire Coquihalla, the Okanagan Connector, and between Eagle Pass to Rogers Pass on the Trans Canada Highway.

As it stands, the forecast is calling for about 3 cm of snow near the summit on the Hope to Merritt section of the Coquihalla tomorrow with the snow level dropping to 1,200 metres.

The Merritt to Kamloops section is expected to see periods of rain on Friday with wet snow near the summit.

“The shift to fall weather is finally happening later this week,” Environment Canada said, in a statement. “As a colder airmass arrives with a Pacific weather system on Friday, periods of snow will likely give some accumulations from Friday afternoon to Saturday over the elevated highway passes.”

“Be prepared to adjust your driving with changing road conditions. If visibility is reduced while driving, turn on your lights and maintain a safe following distance. Weather in the mountains can change suddenly resulting in hazardous driving conditions.”

While it has been an unseasonably warm and dry fall, winter tire and chain rules came into effect on Oct. 1.