Aurora forecast: Northern lights likely across US, including New York

Aurora Forecast: Northern Lights Expected Across the US

The NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center reports a strong geomagnetic storm currently underway, increasing the chances of seeing the aurora borealis, or northern lights, across much of the northern United States.

Visibility and Geographic Range

The northern lights are likely visible from New York in the east to Washington state in the west. The viewing range may extend as far south as Wyoming, Nebraska, and Iowa, according to a forecast map from NOAA.

Conditions Affecting Visibility

Visibility depends on the storm’s intensity and weather conditions. Clear skies and a stronger storm increase the likelihood of observing the lights.

Storm Intensity

Early Thursday morning, NOAA declared a "G3" geomagnetic storm in progress, classified as a severe event on a scale from G1 (minor) to G5 (extreme).

"A larger disturbance in Earth's magnetic field. It can vary in intensity between lower levels and strong storm conditions over the course of hours to a day during the event duration."

Potential Technological Impact

Besides creating spectacular light displays, strong geomagnetic storms can disrupt technology, causing fluctuations in power grids and satellite interference that may affect GPS systems.

Summary

This geomagnetic storm offers a rare opportunity to witness the northern lights across a wide area of the US, but clear weather and storm strength will determine visibility.

Author’s Conclusion

The ongoing geomagnetic storm presents a broad window to observe northern lights over the US, with potential impacts on both natural beauty and technology.

Newsweek — 2025-11-06