Mother Nature may paint the skies with a late-summer aurora borealis display in the Lower Mainland.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)'s Space Weather Prediction Center has observed R1 (minor) radio blackout impacts and S1 (minor) solar radiation storm impacts over the past 24 hours. However, it hasn't issued a geomagnetic storm watch for later this week.
Still, the stormy space conditions show the aurora's haunting green glow could extend further than usual overnight on Monday, Aug. 25.
The space centre's map shows it extending down into Southern B.C., although it appears fainter in the Lower Mainland (areas outside of the red line likely won't observe it) (see slide one).
Metro Vancouver weather forecast includes clear skies for aurora viewing
The Metro Vancouver weather forecast shows ideal conditions for viewing a possible auroral display. A ridge of high pressure that has settled over the region will remain in place, providing clear skies and warm temperatures for several days.
The University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) expects 'active auroral displays' overnight on Monday, with overhead displays possible in northern cities including Yellowknife and Juneau, and even a couple of southern ones such as Edmonton and Winnipeg. They may also be visible low on the horizon from Vancouver to Great Falls (Montana), and Ottawa to St. John’s (see slide two).
The university's online Aurora Monitor map shows which regions the aurora's glow is likely to 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.
While it is less common to spot the dancing lights in the summer, Metro Vancouverites have captured some spellbinding aurora borealis photos this August.
The northern lights are less visible in areas impacted with heavy light pollution, such as downtown Vancouver. Several areas provide darker skies, such as the dikes in Richmond, up the Howe Sound, or even more remote areas at UBC.
Stay up-to-date with hyperlocal weather forecasts across 50 neighbourhoods in the Lower Mainland with Weatherhood.
