Metro Vancouverites could see the northern lights dance this weekend, weather permitting.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)'s Space Weather Prediction Center has issued a G1 (Minor) geomagnetic storm watch for Saturday, Aug. 17 and a possible G2 (Moderate) one for Sunday (see slide two).
The stormy weather is caused by the arrival of a coronal mass ejection (CME) from the sun but NOAA notes that the CME was difficult to analyze and there is a "low level of forecast confidence regarding timing and intensity."
The University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) calls for active auroral displays visible overhead on Saturday 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 (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.
The second possible northern lights viewing opportunity in Metro Vancouver forecast
The UAF shows a second opportunity to view the northern lights on Sunday, with the haunting green glow stretching down to Seattle. Displays wouldn't be visible overhead in Metro Vancouver (still lower on the horizon), but they could appear more intense (see slide three).
Other places that may observe the dancing lights low on the horizon on Sunday include Des Moines, Chicago, Cleveland, Boston, and Halifax.
The Metro Vancouver weather forecast includes the possibility of showers this weekend. V.I.A.'s Downtown Centre Weatherhood station shows some wet weather late Saturday night and into early Sunday, but skies are expected to clear on Sunday night, providing ideal viewing conditions.
Skywatchers can stay up-to-date with hyperlocal forecasts across 50 neighbourhoods in the Lower Mainland with V.I.A.'s Weatherhood.
