A speedy solar wind stream set to sweep past Earth raises the chance that an aurora borealis forecast will show visible northern lights from Alaska to Maine tonight and into the weekend. Forecasters expect minor (G1) geomagnetic storm conditions as the fast stream arrives, with the best viewing chances while the wind remains strongest.
Aurora Borealis Forecast: Where The Lights Could Appear
NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center forecasts that a high-speed stream of solar wind will impact Earth’s magnetic field, potentially producing minor (G1) geomagnetic storming. Should conditions align, the northern lights could become visible across high-latitude regions including Alaska, northern Canada, northern Scotland and northern Scandinavia. Based on the latest NOAA aurora forecast map, nine U. S. states appear fully or partially above the possible aurora view line.
Timing, Uncertainty And What To Watch Tonight
Forecasters say geomagnetic activity is most likely March 13–14, with elevated conditions possibly lingering into March 15 as the fast solar wind stream continues to buffet Earth’s magnetic field. Activity may remain somewhat elevated into Sunday before gradually easing. If the skies are clear, look for the northern lights as soon as it gets dark; geomagnetic activity is expected to become elevated around 11: 00 am ET and remain elevated into the night.
The aurora borealis forecast is inherently uncertain: if conditions strengthen the lights could reach much farther south than expected, while if they do not align observers could see no aurora at all. For those in areas listed on the forecast map, basic planning—clear skies and dark horizons—can improve chances of a sighting during the windows of elevated activity.
