Aurora expected across Alberta—weather permitting

Residents across the Lakeland, from Lac La Biche to Cold Lake, could be in for a spectacular northern lights display tonight if the skies stay clear. Cloud cover is expected early in the evening but should begin to clear around midnight, creating a strong chance of seeing vivid greens, purples, and reds dancing across the horizon.

The possible light show comes as the U.S. Space Weather Prediction Center issues a Severe Geomagnetic Storm Watch (G4) for Tuesday, November 12, following several coronal mass ejections (CMEs) from the Sun since November 9. One of these eruptions, tied to a powerful X5.1 solar flare, is expected to hit Earth’s magnetic field late Tuesday into early Wednesday.

If conditions align, auroras could be visible across most of Alberta and as far south as parts of the northern United States.

Elsewhere in the province, skies are expected to remain mostly clear, giving residents outside the Lakeland an even better chance to view the spectacle. Clouds are forecast to return Wednesday night, though there may still be brief windows for viewing if the storm continues.

The Space Weather Prediction Center says confidence is high that Earth will feel the effects of this solar event, though the exact intensity won’t be known until it’s detected by satellites just before arrival.

If skies cooperate, this could be one of the most vivid aurora displays of the year—a rare mid-November treat for stargazers across the Lakeland.

Tip: For the best chance to see the northern lights, head away from city lights, face north, and look up after midnight.