Albany, NY – A rare mix of aurora and snow could light up the skies over upstate New York tonight. As a strong geomagnetic storm continues to energize the atmosphere, the Northern Lights may be visible across parts of New York and New England — just as a clipper system brings the next round of snow.
According to the National Weather Service in Albany, skies will stay partly clear early this evening before clouds increase late tonight as a lake-effect snow band extends off Lake Ontario. The best chance to see the Aurora Borealis will be from sunset until around 10 p.m., when visibility remains highest before snow clouds move in.
The NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center reports that a G3–G4-level geomagnetic storm remains in effect, capable of pushing auroral activity as far south as Pennsylvania and northern New Jersey. Residents across the Adirondacks, Catskills, and the Capital Region may have the best opportunity for viewing under early-evening breaks in the clouds.
Meanwhile, snow is expected to develop overnight through Thursday evening, with 2–5 inches possible in the western Adirondacks and southern Greens, and slick travel conditions likely Thursday morning.
If skies stay clear long enough, tonight could bring a stunning contrast — aurora over the snowbelt — before winter weather takes center stage by morning.
