(NEXSTAR) — A severe geomagnetic storm could bring the northern lights and possible technological effects to the U.S. to start the week, NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center has warned.
On Friday, a “powerful coronal mass ejection (CME) erupted from the Sun,” the SWPC said Saturday. An associated M8 solar flare was also detected, which, while strong, is only the second-highest class of flares measured by space weather experts.
Due to its likely path toward Earth, however, the SWPC said geomagnetic storm conditions reaching G4 strength (on a one through five scale) could impact Earth through Monday and into Tuesday.
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The agency noted that while these conditions could bring the northern lights to our skies, it could also cause “detrimental impacts to some of our critical infrastructure technology.” However, our technological systems, such as power grids and navigational systems, are capable of mitigating impacts.
While you will likely not notice those infrastructure impacts, you may have the chance to see the northern lights.
Who could see the northern lights?
Early Sunday morning, G4 geomagnetic storm conditions had been reached. Such strong conditions have been known to bring the northern lights as far south as Alabama and northern California. However, any auroral activity is outshone by the sun during the daylight hours.
However, the geomagnetic storm activity is expected to last through Sunday, Monday, and into Tuesday, the latest forecasts show, meaning you may soon be able to catch a glimpse of the celestial show.
The forecast for Sunday night gives Alaska and Canada the highest likelihood of seeing the northern lights. Those living above or near the red line seen in the map below could also get a glimpse. If you live further south, your best chance at seeing the aurora may be along the northern horizon after the sun has set.
All or parts of nearly two dozen states have a chance at seeing the aurora Sunday night, if geomagnetic storming conditions remain strong: Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Minnesota, Iowa, Wisconsin, Illinois, Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine. If conditions strengthen, the northern lights could also reach parts of California, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, West Virginia, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Delaware.
The northern lights forecast for Sunday, June 1, 2025. (SWPC)
While conditions are expected to weaken through Monday, dropping from G3 and G4 strength to G1 and G2, the SWPC’s forecast does give several northern states another chance of seeing the aurora.
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The current forecast for Monday, which could change based on activity in our atmosphere, again gives Alaska and Canada the best odds of seeing the aurora. Those in 14 states could still catch a glimpse: Washington, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa, Wisconsin, Michigan, New York, New Hampshire, Vermont, and Maine.
The northern lights forecast for Monday, June 2, 2025, as of Sunday, June 1, 2025. (SWPC)
If conditions strengthen, the aurora could appear even further south. If they weaken, fewer states may have a chance to see them.
How serious is this storm?
G4-strength storms are considered “severe” by the SWPC’s forecasts. These storms are “a major disturbance in Earth’s magnetic field; often varying intensity between lower levels and severe storm conditions over the course of the event.” As alarming as it may sound, the agency is advising otherwise.
“Detrimental impacts to some of our critical infrastructure technology are possible, but mitigation is possible and key operators have been notified,” the SWPC said Saturday. Experts note that these operators are prepared for such celestial events.
How are geomagnetic storms measured?
The SWPC uses a 5-point scale to measure the strength of geomagnetic storms, much like forecasters use scales for tornadoes and hurricanes.
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The geomagnetic storm scale ranges from G1 to G5. At the lowest end is G1, described as minor storms that can lead to aurora being visible in Maine and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. A G5 storm, described as extreme, could send the northern lights as far south as Florida and southern Texas.
How to see the northern lights
Should conditions weaken, or if you live in an area where the northern lights will only barely come into view, you may have to rely on technology to catch the colors.
First, look toward the northern horizon after sunset. You may see a glimpse of the aurora, with colors varying based on the interactions happening in our atmosphere. If you’re struggling to see any reds or greens, try using your smartphone. Since those devices are more sensitive than our eyes, they can better pick up on the celestial show during weaker conditions.
It’s recommended to use your phone camera’s night mode, if available, or another method of extending the camera’s exposure. You’ll also want to keep your hands as steady as possible, which may mean relying on a tripod.
