Parts of Canada could see the Northern Lights on New Year's Eve

Dec. 31, 2024 aurora forecast as of the afternoon of Dec. 30. (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration)

While fireworks have become a popular way to celebrate the arrival of the new year, many Canadians could be treated to a much larger light display across the night sky.

As of Monday afternoon, the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Space Weather Prediction Center is forecasting a strong possibility for aurora borealis over much of Canada on New Year’s Eve.

True to its name, the Northern Lights are expected to be less prevalent in areas of the country near the U.S. border to the south.

The celestial light show is best witnessed in dark areas outside of major centres with limited to no light pollution. However, even the best laid plans for optimal viewing remain at the mercy of cloud coverage.

The vast majority of the country is expecting overcast conditions on New Year’s Eve this year, save for sections of the Maritimes and B.C. So while the Northern Lights shine above, the display will likely be shrouded for those on the ground below.

According to the NOAA, the Dec. 31 geomagnetic activity forecast is considered a five on the OVIATION mode’s scale where a rating of one is limited activity and nine is the maximum.

A geomagnetic storm with a rating of G3, considered strong, is expected early Tuesday morning and its fallout would likely produce Aurora Borealis sightings into Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning.