Portland, ME – New England residents may witness a rare display of the Northern Lights tonight, as a powerful G4 geomagnetic storm is set to illuminate the skies. The aurora could be visible as far south as Alabama, providing a unique opportunity for viewers across the eastern U.S.
The National Weather Service predicts clear skies across much of New England, with optimal viewing conditions from 10 p.m. Thursday to 4 a.m. Friday. In Maine, temperatures will drop to around 39 degrees, while Massachusetts and Vermont will see lows in the 40s. Rural areas across New England, with less light pollution, will offer the best views.
This geomagnetic storm, caused by solar winds colliding with Earth’s magnetic field, is one of the most powerful since May 2024. The aurora will also be visible across a large swath of the U.S., from Ohio, New York, and Pennsylvania down to parts of Virginia and West Virginia.
Most notably, the storm is strong enough to allow sightings as far south as Alabama, a rare event for southern states. Friday night will bring continued chances to see the aurora, with mostly clear skies forecasted across much of New England and temperatures dropping into the mid-30s.