Metro Vancouverites could see an awe-inspiring northern lights display early this week.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)'s Space Weather Prediction Center issued a G2 (moderate) geomagnetic storm warning for Monday, May 6 "due to the potential arrival of a [coronal mass ejection]." (see slide two).
On Monday, the University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) shows highly active auroral activity with displays visible "overhead from Inuvik, Yellowknife, Rankin and Iqaluit to Vancouver, Helena, Minneapolis, Milwaukee, Bay City, Toronto, Montpelier, and Charlottetown," and also low on the horizon in places as far south as Salem, Indianapolis, and Annapolis (see slide three).
The university's online aurora monitor map shows what regions the aurora's green glow may be visible overhead and where it may be visible low on the horizon. 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 UAF's aurora viewing map shows the vibrant green glow covering well below Vancouver on Monday, meaning there could be opportunities to view the aurora overhead rather than only low on the horizon, weather permitting.
The Metro Vancouver weather forecast and aurora viewing opportunities
On Tuesday, the UAF's map shows less of the green glow covering the Lower Mainland but opportunities may still exist to see active auroral displays low on the horizon.
Displays low on the horizon are expected to be visible from Vancouver, Great Falls, Pierre, Madison, Lansing, Ottawa, Portland, and St. Johns.
The Metro Vancouver weather forecast looks favourable for at least one of the displays. Summer-like weather is expected to emerge later this week but skies should clear on Tuesday.
How will you know when there may be some decent breaks in the cloud coverage?
Castellan recommends sky-watchers look at Environment Canada's online cloud prediction tool for astronomical purposes. It shows when there may be clearer times when the aurora is active.
Stay up-to-date with hyperlocal forecasts across 50 neighbourhoods in the Lower Mainland with V.I.A.'s Weatherhood.
