The northern lights are forecast to show up in Alberta tonight
It’s always a treat when the northern lights dance across the Alberta sky, and they are forecast to make an appearance soon.
According to the NOAA Space Weather Prediction Centre, a G3 (strong) storm watch is in the cards for April 16, with a Kp level of seven out of 10. The level of geomagnetic activity is indicated by the planetary K index or Kp. The Kp index ranges from zero to nine.
WATCH: Geomagnetic Storm Category G3 Predicted
Highest Storm Level Predicted by Day:
Apr 16: G3 (Strong) Apr 17: G1 (Minor) Apr 18: None (Below G1)
Issue Time: 2025 Apr 15 1524 UTChttps://t.co/ZbtuNtJdza— NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center (@NWSSWPC) April 15, 2025
The NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Centre also added that the aurora “may be seen as low as Pennsylvania to Iowa to Oregon.” That sounds like Alberta should be in for a VERY good view!
NOAA Space Weather Prediction Centre
According to the University of Alaska Fairbanks Geophysical Institute, high activity is on the table for the early morning hours of April 16, with a Kp of five at midnight local time, and a Kp level of six from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. With a sunrise time around 6:30 for Edmonton and Calgary, you may catch a dazzling morning view!
University of Alaska Fairbanks Geophysical Institute
So, who in Alberta will get a chance to see the northern lights?
Looking at the forecast, folks in the Edmonton region will get a much better chance to see the northern lights than those in and around Calgary.
Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) says Edmonton should just see a few clouds tonight and an overnight temperature of 2°C.
Environment and Climate Change Canada
The ECCC forecast for Calgary isn’t as dazzling, with tonight shaping up to be mainly cloudy with a chance of flurries and an overnight temperature of zero.
Environment and Climate Change Canada
So pack your patience, and let’s hope the cloud cover stays away or lifts up at times. We’ve got some northern lights to enjoy!