Aurora alert: Moderate geomagnetic storm forecast for tonight — what to expect
A moderate geomagnetic storm could produce aurora visible farther south than usual across parts of the United States, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Space Weather Prediction Center says. The G2 storm watch is expected to begin Wednesday at 8 p. m. ET and continue until Thursday at 8 p. m. ET, driven by a coronal mass ejection from the sun. NOAA warns the event can also affect high-latitude power systems, spacecraft operations and high frequency radio propagation.
Storm watch, timing and risks
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Space Weather Prediction Center has issued a G2 geomagnetic storm watch tied to a coronal mass ejection expected to arrive beginning Wednesday at 8 p. m. ET and lasting through Thursday at 8 p. m. ET. A coronal mass ejection is a massive eruption of solar material and magnetic field from the sun’s outer atmosphere, and when charged particles strike Earth they can produce aurora by exciting atoms and molecules in the upper atmosphere. The forecast lists U. S. visibility stretching from Alaska through the northern tier and into parts of the Midwest and Northeast, including Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Minnesota, Iowa, Wisconsin, Illinois, Michigan, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine.
Immediate reactions
NOAA notes that a G2 storm can impact high-latitude power systems, spacecraft operations and high frequency radio propagation, with possible fluctuations to weak power grids and minor impacts on satellite operations. A 2023 study found that some migratory animals may be affected by geomagnetic storms, with evidence of reduced bird migration during disturbances, and NASA has explored whether solar storms could influence marine mammal strandings. “Not a great chance if you’re west of the Cascades, ” said Dave Salesky, meteorologist, adding that the east side of the Cascades and higher elevations offer the best local prospects for spotting any visible aurora if skies clear.
Quick context
Meteorological and space-weather notes in the region point to March as an active month for geomagnetic displays; the weeks around the spring equinox are often called aurora season because of how solar wind interacts with Earth’s magnetosphere. The sun’s recent activity has been elevated following the solar maximum that peaked around late 2024, contributing to more frequent geomagnetic storms.
What’s next
Skywatchers should monitor conditions this evening starting at 8 p. m. ET and through the watch period ending at 8 p. m. ET Thursday; the best viewing windows are typically later at night if skies are clear. Expect agencies to update the watch if storms strengthen or weaken, and prepare for possible minor disruptions to high-latitude infrastructure while remaining ready to step outside for a chance to see the aurora if conditions align.
