Charleston, WV – West Virginians could be treated to a rare northern lights display tonight, as clear skies and a powerful G4 geomagnetic storm create ideal conditions for viewing the aurora across much of the state.
According to the US National Weather Service Charleston and the NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center, mostly clear skies are expected overnight across both mountain and lowland areas. Temperatures will drop into the upper 20s to mid-30s in the mountains and the 30s in the lowlands, with light to gusty westerly winds.
The ongoing geomagnetic storm, among the strongest in recent years, may push the aurora borealis as far south as West Virginia, visible as a faint green or red glow on the northern horizon. Viewing conditions will be best between 9 p.m. and 1 a.m., especially away from urban lights and in higher elevations with clearer skies.
Residents are encouraged to bundle up and head outdoors early for the best chance to spot this rare spectacle.
