Auroras to dance across Canada Friday, but smoky skies may interfere
A G1/G2 geomagnetic storm will give many Canadians a chance to watch the northern lights Friday night—that is, if the smoky skies allow it.
Don't forget to look up to the sky Friday night for a chance to witness the beautiful northern lights!
A G1 (minor) geomagnetic storm rated between will help to light up the sky—and it comes the same night as the Full Sturgeon Moon!
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Space Weather Prediction Center, the storm is caused by a coronal mass ejection (CME) from the Sun that took place on Aug. 5.
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Folks across most of Eastern Canada will have the best chance at seeing the lights, as there is less cloud cover forecast across the region. You won't have to stay up very late for a chance to see them, either!
The geomagnetic storm is forecast to reach Earth between 2-11 p.m. ET. We could see the storm reach a G2 (moderate) rating in the evening, so the best time to see the lights will be right after sunset. Folks up before 4 a.m., however, may still see a glow in the sky.
Sadly, much of southern Ontario, including Toronto, will be just outside of the forecast range.
Meanwhile, folks in Western Canada will also have a great chance to catch a glimpse of the northern lights if the skies clear up, although they are currently forecast to remain fairly cloudy thanks to a low-level low spinning up storms across the region.
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Unfortunately, even with clear conditions, incoming wildfire smoke may still obscure the night sky.
Parts of the B.C. Interior, however, can expect to see clear, bright skies with little wildfire smoke to get in the way.
Much of the southern Prairies and northwestern Ontario will see their own unique light show Friday night as storms roll across the regions, bringing frequent lightning with them.
Stay with The Weather Network for more information and updates on your chance to see the Auroras.