Minneapolis, Minnesota – A moderate geomagnetic storm is creating a rare opportunity to see the northern lights across the Upper Midwest tonight, with visibility possible over the next several hours before sunrise Monday.
According to the NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center, G2-level geomagnetic activity has been reached following a high-speed solar wind stream, expanding the aurora southward into Minnesota, Wisconsin, and parts of northern Iowa and Michigan through at least 5 a.m. Monday.
The best viewing window stretches from roughly 10 p.m. Sunday to 3 a.m. Monday, with peak visibility expected in darker, rural areas away from city lights. Locations north of Interstate 94, including Duluth, St. Cloud, Eau Claire, and Marquette, have the highest chance of seeing visible aurora bands or glow on the northern horizon.
Cloud cover will be the main limiting factor, but where skies remain clear, residents may see green arcs or faint moving lights. While impacts to infrastructure are minimal, NOAA notes a slight risk of minor power grid fluctuations during the event.
To improve viewing chances, head to open areas with a clear northern horizon, avoid artificial light, and allow 20 minutes for eyes to adjust. Smartphone cameras may capture stronger colors than visible to the naked eye.
The geomagnetic storm is expected to weaken after sunrise Monday, though additional activity remains possible if solar conditions persist.
