Metro Vancouverites may finally have the opportunity to take advantage of some stormy space weather this week.
Potent geomagnetic storms have been causing vibrant northern lights displays across North America over the past few days but an organized rainstorm and subsequent showers have made viewing locally impossible.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)'s Space Weather Prediction Center has issued a strong (G3) geomagnetic storm watch over the weekend from August 1 through 4 (see slide two).
NOAA expects R1-R2 (Minor - Moderate) level solar flares will also continue over the weekend.
The University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) calls for highly active auroral displays overhead on Thursday, from Inuvik, Yellowknife, Rankin, and Iqaluit to Vancouver, Helena, Minneapolis, Milwaukee, Bay City, Toronto, Montpelier, and Charlottetown, and visible low on the horizon from Salem, Boise, Cheyenne, Lincoln, Indianapolis and Annapolis (see slide three).
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 includes clearing skies for northern lights viewing
V.I.A.'s Downtown Centre Weatherhood station shows a high of 27 C with a low of 17 C on Thursday. While there may be some cloudy periods overnight, the sky is expected to be mostly clear.
The clearing sky creates a perfect opportunity for viewing the aurora and conditions are expected to continue improving this weekend.
A second opportunity to view the lights is possible on Friday. While they won't be visible to view them overhead again in Vancouver, they may be visible low on the horizon. The aurora will only be visible overhead in places further north such as Inuvik, Yellowknife, Rankin, and Iqaluit to Juneau, Edmonton, Winnipeg, and Sept-Iles (see slide four).
The aurora borealis put on a spellbinding local display in May, glowing vibrant hues of purple and green overhead. However, most people will observe a milky or greyish manifestation that appears to retreat and return rather than potent colours.
Stay up-to-date with hyperlocal forecasts across 50 neighbourhoods in the Lower Mainland with V.I.A.'s Weatherhood.
