On Wednesday, there was a massive solar flare, followed by a coronal mass ejection (CME), on the sun. It takes a few days for electrons and protons associated with the CME to reach the earth's atmosphere, and in fact, it has JUST ARRIVED. This is evident from the latest planetary K index (a measure of the disturbance of Earth's magnetic field) form the NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center (see below).
The Space Weather Center is predicting a moderate geomagnetic storm today (see below),
with higher (red and yellow) Kp indices (which means the potential for auroral activity) between 1800 UTC (11 AM) today and 0900 UTC tomorrow (2 AM Sunday).
Furthermore, they are suggesting the potential to view auroras between the yellow and red lines on the chart below, which includes most of Washington State.
The big question, of course, is cloud cover. The UW WRF model cloud forecast for 11 PM tonight suggests that western WA has a chance for some clearing, with a veil of thin high clouds over eastern WA.
The latest NOAA/NWS HRRR (High Resolution Rapid Refresh) forecast for the same time shows a similar picture. Cloud forecasts are difficult, but it appears that the western side of the state may offer some gaps that night allow a view if the aurora does occur over us
I will certainly be looking. One of the most amazing experiences in my life was seeing one as a teenager after a star gazing event with my family. Will never forget the curtains of colored lights, constantly changing as if a wind were blowing on them.
from Cliff Mass Weather and Climate Blog https://ift.tt/2uqPffH
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