Chicago, IL – Illinois residents could experience a rare double feature tonight — the northern lights visible over the state and Winter Weather Preparedness Week underway.
According to the US National Weather Service Chicago, the ongoing G3–G4 geomagnetic storm from the NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center may allow the aurora borealis to be seen as far south as northern Illinois, including parts of the Chicago metro area. Viewing will be best in dark, rural locations between 9 p.m. and 1 a.m., especially to the north and northwest horizons.
While tonight’s conditions are mostly clear, the NWS is also reminding residents to review winter weather safety plans as part of Winter Weather Preparedness Week. The agency notes that small temperature differences — even a single degree — can mean the difference between snow, sleet, or freezing rain, dramatically changing travel impacts.
For now, skies should stay clear enough for stargazers hoping to glimpse the aurora before a pattern shift brings cooler, unsettled weather later this month.
Have you ever seen the northern lights over Chicago? Share your photos or viewing locations in the comments below.
