Forget May flowers. Mother Nature might produce a more spellbinding display in Metro Vancouver skies on Thursday, May 29.
Several space weather prediction centres expect the aurora borealis may be visible across large swaths of North America due to stormy space conditions.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Space Weather Prediction Center observed a major G3 (Strong) geomagnetic storm early Thursday, and a G3 warning remains.
The centre also advises that a G2 (Moderate) geomagnetic storm is possible over the coming day as the threat of a stronger storm dissipates.
V.I.A.'s Downtown Centre Weatherhood station shows showers will dissipate around noon on Thursday, with a mix of sun and cloud continuing in the afternoon and into the evening.
Skies are expected to clear around 9 p.m. and remain cloudless through the night, providing the ideal conditions for viewing the northern lights.
Alaska University says Vancouverites could see northern lights dance low on the horizon
The University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) calls for "high" auroral activity on Thursday 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 Friday, 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).
The Metro Vancouver weather forecast includes dry conditions and sunshine during the day on Friday, but some cloud coverage may impede viewing overnight.
Environment Canada's online cloud prediction tool for astronomical purposes shows when the sky may clear to determine the ideal aurora-viewing conditions.
Stay up-to-date with hyperlocal weather forecasts across 50 neighbourhoods in the Lower Mainland with Weatherhood.
