Metro Vancouverites may have a final opportunity to view the aurora borealis...but it likely won't produce a vivid display.
Numerous B.C. residents captured sweeping photos of the northern lights overnight on Thursday, Oct. 10, showcasing images of bright green and purple hues.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Space Weather Prediction Center has issued a G4 (Severe) geomagnetic storm watch for early Friday, Oct. 11.
The U.S. agency recorded a G4 (Severe) storm during the forecast period overnight Thursday; it expects a G2 (Moderate) geomagnetic storm overnight Friday into Saturday.
The University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) shows "active auroral displays" possible overhead from cities including "Inuvik, Yellowknife, Rankin and Iqaluit; to Juneau, Alaska, and Edmonton, Winnipeg and Sept-Iles," and visible low on the horizon from Vancouver to Portland (Maine) and Ottawa and St. John’s (see slide two).
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 looks clear for viewing the aurora borealis
V.I.A.'s Downtown Centre Weatherhood station shows a high of 15 C on Friday with mostly clear conditions. Saturday is expected to be sunny and clear with a high of 17 C. Since the UAF's forecasts are based on Universal Time Coordinated (UTC) time, they are roughly seven hours ahead of Vancouver.
Environment Canada's online cloud prediction tool for astronomical purposes shows when the sky may clear to determine the ideal aurora-viewing conditions.
Locals recently captured green and purple hues across the Lower Mainland when the aurora put on a spellbinding display in mid-September. The colourful manifestation was visible to the naked eye overhead in locations across the region.
Stay up-to-date with hyperlocal forecasts across 50 neighbourhoods in the Lower Mainland with V.I.A.'s Weatherhood.
