Buffalo, New York – A rare nighttime sky event could unfold within hours as a solar storm pushes the northern lights into view across parts of Upstate New York late Sunday.
According to the NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center, a G2 (moderate) geomagnetic storm will intensify between 10 p.m. Sunday and 2 a.m. Monday, increasing the likelihood of aurora visibility across northern and western New York. The activity is driven by lingering solar eruption energy combined with a high-speed solar wind stream.
Cities including Buffalo, Syracuse, Rochester, and Watertown sit in the prime viewing zone, especially along Lake Ontario and the Saint Lawrence Valley. Residents in darker areas away from city lights will have the best chance to see green and pink light bands low on the northern horizon.
Travelers along I-90 and I-81 may notice brighter skies than usual overnight, though no travel disruptions are expected. For the best experience, head to open areas, avoid light pollution, and allow at least 20 minutes for your eyes to adjust.
Cloud cover could briefly interfere, but clearer breaks may develop overnight. Elevated geomagnetic activity may linger into early Monday, with additional alerts possible if conditions strengthen.
