Metro Vancouverites might have to pick their jaws up off the floor as stormy solar activity sets the ideal conditions for a vibrant northern lights display in the region over the weekend.
Weather dependent, a geomagnetic storm has mixed up the ideal solar cocktail for the haunting green glow to reach Canadian cities as far south and wide as Vancouver, Toronto, and Charlottetown, P.E.I.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)'s Space Weather Prediction Center has issued a G-1 minor geomagnetic storm warning for Friday, Feb. 17, and a G-2 moderate geomagnetic storm warning for Saturday.
According to the University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF), auroral activity will be "high" on Friday, with "highly active displays" possible from Yellowknife down to Edmonton and Winnipeg and as low as Seattle, Boston, and Halifax
The university's online aurora monitor map shows what regions the aurora's green glow will likely reach, as well as other areas where there is less of a possibility. Additionally, there is a brief description below the map of the aurora activity on that particular day. You can switch to other days to see the forecast, too.
Unfortunately, the Metro Vancouver weather forecast includes a 60 per cent chance of showers Friday night, which means that cloud coverage might prevent a viewing opportunity.
Metro Vancouver weather forecast and a possible potent northern lights viewing opportunity
While the forecast includes cloudy periods overnight Saturday, a possible break in the cloud coverage could allow for a spellbinding display of the dancing lights.
High highly-active auroral activity is expected and the map shows the potent green glow extending past Vancouver and Toronto. In fact, displays are even expected to be possible "visible low on the horizon from Salem, Boise, Cheyenne, Lincoln, Indianapolis, and Annapolis," according to the UAF.
Another viewing opportunity is also possible Sunday, with active auroral displays possible overhead from "Inuvik, Yellowknife, Rankin, and Iqaluit to Juneau, Edmonton, Winnipeg, and Sept-Iles, and visible low on the horizon from Vancouver, Great Falls, Pierre, Madison, Lansing, Ottawa, Portland, and St. Johns."
The Vancouver weather forecast currently includes rain on Sunday but precipitation is difficult to predict in advance. That said, the displays will be better on Saturday if viewing is possible.
Light pollution in large cities makes the aurora borealis difficult to observe, but not impossible, given the right circumstances. But your best bet for viewing that hypnotic green glow is up north or outside of the city.
Find out more northern lights information and viewing tips with our comprehensive guide.
