Flurries and sub-zero temperatures are in the forecast for the rest of the week and Richmond's warming centres will remain open to those who don't have shelter.
Environment Canada has issued an Arctic outflow warning for Metro Vancouver and nearby regions, warning of wind chill of up to -20C from tonight until Saturday afternoon.
Friday is expected to be coldest, with Weatherhood forecast showing a high of -10C and a low of -17C in Richmond city centre, followed by a high of -2C and a low of -14C on Saturday.
The drop in temperature may cause frostbite and hypothermia "within minutes" without adequate precautions when outdoors and any skin exposure will result in frostbite, reads the warning.
The public is asked to dress warmly in layers, stay dry and cover as much exposed skin as possible.
The two centres, one in Brighouse Park and the other at the South Arm Pool, offer a total of 33 spots to unhoused community members in need of shelter.
The Brighouse Park warming centre is at No. 3 Road and Granville Avenue is open from 8 p.m. to 8 a.m. daily and has 15 mats. All genders are welcome and pets on leash are allowed.
The South Arm Pool location, at 10100 South Arm Place off Williams Road and west of Garden City Road, is open from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. daily. There are 18 mats and all genders are accepted, as well as pets.
Both centres are set to remain open overnight until mid-April.
- With files from Maria Rantanen.
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