Caribou, Maine – Skies across northern Maine could light up with the Northern Lights tonight, though incoming clouds may limit the view. The strongest chance for clear skies and aurora activity will be over Aroostook County late this evening into early Tuesday.
According to the National Weather Service in Caribou, a Moderate Geomagnetic Storm is expected tonight, with a Kp index near six. That level typically allows auroras to be visible across northern latitudes. Forecasters caution, however, that mid- to high-level clouds will be spreading northward this evening, which could reduce visibility depending on how quickly they move in.
The best chance for viewing will be a few hours on either side of midnight, particularly in the far northern towns of Caribou, Presque Isle, and Madawaska. Skies farther south, including Bangor and Augusta, are more likely to be obscured. Temperatures will hold in the low to mid-50s with very light winds, making for comfortable conditions for those outside scanning the sky.
Residents are advised to seek dark, rural areas away from city lights to improve chances of seeing the aurora. The Weather Service says conditions could shift quickly, so northern Maine viewers should check skies periodically through early Tuesday morning.
