Solar Storm Watch: Northern Lights May Be Visible Across US Tonight

Fast solar wind could drive a moderate geomagnetic storm, bringing the aurora borealis to mid-latitude skies.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 4:38pm

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A bold, abstract painting in soft earth tones of orange, red, and blue, featuring sweeping geometric arcs, concentric circles, and precise spirals, conceptually representing the complex forces of a solar storm impacting the Earth's magnetic field.A powerful solar storm could bring the northern lights to skies across the central United States, providing a rare celestial light show for many Americans.NYC Today

A fast-moving burst of solar wind is hitting Earth, prompting the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to issue a moderate G2 geomagnetic storm watch for tonight and tomorrow. This could allow the northern lights to be visible as far south as Illinois and Oregon, depending on the storm's intensity.

Why it matters

Geomagnetic storms caused by solar activity can disrupt power grids, GPS, and satellite communications. While a G2 storm is not the most severe, it can still bring the colorful aurora borealis to skies much farther south than usual, providing a rare celestial light show for many Americans.

The details

The solar wind is moving at up to 700 kilometers per second, which could drive a G2 or even a stronger G3 geomagnetic storm. If a G3 storm materializes, the northern lights could reach as far south as Illinois and Oregon. A G2 event would bring them to New York and Idaho, while a minor G1 storm could produce sightings across northern Michigan and Maine.

  • The peak activity is expected between 21:00 EDT on April 17 and 02:00 EDT on April 18.
  • A secondary period of minor G1 conditions is possible between 02:00 and 05:00 EDT on April 18.

The players

NOAA's Space Weather Prediction Center

The U.S. government agency responsible for monitoring and forecasting space weather events.

UK Met Office

The United Kingdom's national weather service, which has also raised the possibility of a stronger G3 geomagnetic storm.

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What’s next

According to NOAA's three-day forecast, peak activity is expected between 21:00 EDT on 17 April and 02:00 EDT on 18 April. After that, a secondary period of minor G1 conditions is possible between 02:00 and 05:00 EDT.

The takeaway

This solar storm event provides a rare opportunity for many Americans to witness the stunning natural phenomenon of the northern lights, which are typically only visible in high-latitude regions. However, the intensity of the storm remains uncertain, and sightings are never guaranteed, so those interested should monitor forecasts closely and be prepared to head out at night to catch a glimpse of the colorful aurora.