Duluth, Minnesota – A vivid display of northern lights could take shape across Minnesota within hours as a solar storm peaks late Sunday night.
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, pushing aurora activity well into the Upper Midwest. The event is driven by lingering solar eruption energy combined with a fast-moving solar wind stream.
The strongest viewing conditions will be across northern Minnesota, including Duluth, International Falls, and the Iron Range, where darker skies improve visibility. In the Twin Cities, including Minneapolis and St. Paul, residents may still catch faint green and pink light bands low on the northern horizon, especially in areas away from urban light pollution.
Drivers along I-35 and Highway 53 may notice brighter skies overnight, though no travel disruptions are expected. For the best view, residents should head to open areas with a clear northern horizon and allow at least 20 minutes for their eyes to adjust.
Cloud cover may briefly interfere, but clearer breaks could develop overnight. Elevated geomagnetic activity may continue into early Monday, with additional updates possible if conditions strengthen.
