The northern lights could dance above Metro Vancouver on several nights this week.
On Tuesday, June 3, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Space Weather Prediction Center stated it observed G1 (minor) and (G3) strong geomagnetic storms over the past 24 hours. The G3 warning was extended until the end of the day, although most of the activity was expected around midday.
The NOAA noted that G1 (minor) storming was likely on Wednesday and Thursday. Additionally, radio blackouts are possible due to the solar storms throughout the week.
The current Metro Vancouver weather forecast shows a mix of sun and cloud or clear, cloudless conditions through the week, providing ideal conditions for aurora viewing. V.I.A.'s Downtown Centre Weatherhood station shows daytime highs between 18 C and 21 C, with overnight lows not dipping below 12 C, meaning temperatures won't feel too chilly for viewing the colourful manifestation.
Vancouverites could see northern lights dance low on the horizon
The University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) calls for "high" auroral activity on Wednesday night, with displays possible overhead from areas like Inuvik to Yellowknife, Juneau to Edmonton, and Winnipeg to Thunder Bay.
The dancing lights may be visible low on the horizon from Seattle to Chicago and from Cleveland to Halifax. Of course, this area extending past Seattle also includes Metro Vancouver (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, a brief description of the aurora activity is below the map. You can switch to different days to see the forecast, too.
Locals may have another opportunity to view the green manifestation on Thursday, with the UAF calling for "active" auroral conditions. Displays are possible overhead in northern areas across North America and low on the horizon in Vancouver. The aurora's reach isn't expected to extend as far south, and the viewing window appears smaller (see slide three).
Environment Canada's online cloud prediction tool for astronomical purposes shows when the sky may clear to determine the ideal aurora-viewing conditions.
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