The Metro Vancouver weather forecast might include a side of the northern lights this week.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)'s Space Weather Prediction Center has issued a G4 (Severe) geomagnetic storm watch for Friday, Oct. 11.
The U.S.-based agency highlights that geomagnetic storm watches at this level are rare, providing ideal conditions for vibrant displays stretching south of the border.
The University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) shows high auroral activity overnight Thursday, with "highly active" displays possible overhead from "Inuvik, Yellowknife, Rankin and Iqaluit, to Juneau in Alaska, Edmonton, Winnipeg, and Thunder Bay," and "low on the horizon from Seattle, Des Moines, Chicago, Cleveland and Boston, and Halifax" (see slide two).
The university's online aurora monitor map shows what regions the aurora's green glow will likely reach and other areas where it is less likely. 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.
Metro Vancouver weather forecast looks clear for viewing the aurora borealis
The Vancouver weather forecast includes a variety of weather in the coming days. V.I.A.'s Downtown Centre Weatherhood station shows a high of 14 C and a low of 10 C with a mix of sun and cloud on Thursday. Friday's forecast includes a high of 16 C and a low of 9 C. Since the UAF's forecasts are based on Universal Time Coordinated (UTC) time, they are roughly seven hours ahead of Vancouver.
Environment Canada's online cloud prediction tool for astronomical purposes shows when the sky may clear to determine the ideal aurora-viewing conditions.
Locals recently captured green and purple hues across the Lower Mainland when the aurora put on a spellbinding display in mid-September. The colourful manifestation was visible to the naked eye overhead in locations across the region.
Stay up-to-date with hyperlocal forecasts across 50 neighbourhoods in the Lower Mainland with V.I.A.'s Weatherhood.
