Strong Aurora Borealis Possible Overnight in North America

news image
Special Stories
30 Oct 2021 8:57 PM
Much of the Northern tier of the United States may be able to see the Northern Lights Saturday night into Sunday, thanks to a powerful geomagnetic storm that's expected to arrive over the weekend. [embed]https://twitter.com/NASASun/status/1453793750493409293[/embed] On Thursday, the sun released a powerful X-Class flare with some of those energized solar particles directed at Earth and its magnetic field. That energy is expected to reach earth over the weekend, with the greatest potential for Aurora Borealis Friday night into Saturday and lower activity expected into Sunday morning.

Forecast

Because of the strength of this particular event, the northern lights may be visible into the south! The line on the graphic below indicates where the aurora borealis may be visible on the northern horizon, including portions of Wyoming, Nebraska, Illinois, and Pennsylvania. The shaded region shows where the aurora may be active overhead, which includes most of the I-90 corridor north to the Canadian border. This forecast is courtesy of the University of Alaska Fairbanks. The latest forecast can be found on their website. For best viewing conditions, get away from city lights and try to find clear skies. Unfortunately for much of the eastern third of the country, clouds may block the view. A large area of low pressure is expected to keep thick cloud cover the region for much of the night. Cloud cover may also prevent some locations across the Northwest and Northern Rockies from seeing this event, though there may be breaks in the clouds at times. Stay tuned to WeatherNation through the weekend for updates to this forecast.
All Weather News
More
Hurricane Flossie Continues to Weaken

Hurricane Flossie Continues to Weaken

Hurricane FlossieThe National Hurricane Cente

3 Jul 2025 2:50 AM
NHC Monitoring Front in the Southeast Ahead of 4th of July

NHC Monitoring Front in the Southeast Ahead of 4th of July

Later this week, a frontal boundary is expect

3 Jul 2025 1:00 AM
Northern Plains to Upper Midwest Severe Storms Threaten Holiday Travel

Northern Plains to Upper Midwest Severe Storms Threaten Holiday Travel

NORTHERN PLAINS - A frontal system is expecte

3 Jul 2025 1:00 AM
Northeast Severe Threat on Thursday

Northeast Severe Threat on Thursday

NORTHEAST -A shortwave trough will swing thro

3 Jul 2025 12:30 AM
Northwest Heat Met With Thunderstorm Risk

Northwest Heat Met With Thunderstorm Risk

NORTHWEST - Today, portions of Montana are un

3 Jul 2025 12:00 AM
Near Seasonal Temperatures for Many Come July 4th!

Near Seasonal Temperatures for Many Come July 4th!

AAA is expecting over 70 million travelers to

2 Jul 2025 6:40 PM
Severe Weather Threat Continues in the Midwest

Severe Weather Threat Continues in the Midwest

It has been an active, severe season across t

30 Jun 2025 9:00 PM