Northern lights are forecast to show up in Alberta tonight and here's when
It’s always a treat when the northern lights dance across the Alberta sky, and they are forecast to make an appearance tonight into early tomorrow morning.
According to the NOAA Space Weather Prediction Centre, a G4 (severe) storm watch is in the cards for Nov. 12, with a Kp level of seven out of nine. 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 G4 or Greater Predicted
Highest Storm Level Predicted by Day:
Nov 13: G4 (Severe) Nov 14: G1 (Minor) Nov 15: None (Below G1)
Issue Time: 2025 Nov 12 1805 UTChttps://t.co/ZbtuNtJdza— NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center (@NWSSWPC) November 12, 2025
The NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Centre also added that the nature of the current disturbance means that G4 conditions with a chance for higher levels are still possible. The threat is expected to remain throughout the day as another disturbance is expected to arrive around midday (EST) on the 12th.
The aurora may be seen as low as Alabama and northern California, so that means we in Alberta should be in store for a pretty good light show!
NOAA Space Weather Prediction Centre
According to the University of Alaska Fairbanks Geophysical Institute, high activity is on the table for the early evening hours of tonight, with a Kp of seven between 5 and 8 p.m. local time, and a Kp level of six from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. With a sunset time a tad before the 5 p.m. mark for Edmonton and Calgary, you may catch a dazzling evening 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 but not too bad, with tonight shaping up to be partly cloudy and an overnight temperature of 1°C.
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!