Locals may have the chance to view the northern lights on two nights this week, weather permitting.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)'s Space Weather Prediction Center has issued a moderate (G2) geomagnetic storm watch for Wednesday, July 24. The storm is expected due to a coronal mass ejection (CME) producing filament eruption observed on July 21 (see slide two).
NOAA states that the aurora may be visible over some northern and upper Midwest states from New York to Idaho.
The University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) calls for highly active auroral displays possible overhead on Wednesday, 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
Unfortunately, a low-pressure system will bring a chance of showers to Vancouver overnight Wednesday and continuing into Thursday. However, viewing will be possible if the cloud coverage clears.
According to V.I.A.'s Yaletown Weatherhood station, Wednesday has a 30 per cent chance of showers overnight. Thankfully, skies are expected to clear completely by Thursday night, providing the ideal viewing conditions for a second auroral display.
The UAF isn't calling for as potent of a display on the second night but active displays are expected to be visible low on the horizon in several cities, including "Vancouver, Great Falls, Pierre, Madison, Lansing, Ottawa, Portland, and St. Johns" (see slide three).
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.
