Richmond, VA – Virginians could witness a rare Northern Lights display tonight under mostly clear skies as a powerful solar storm continues to drive aurora activity far south across the United States. The National Weather Service in Wakefield reports that skies will remain mostly clear through tonight, offering favorable viewing conditions before a dry cold front moves through.
The NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center says a G3–G4 geomagnetic storm remains active after a series of strong solar eruptions earlier this week. The storm produced vivid auroras from Texas to Maine Tuesday night, and similar conditions could bring them into view again across parts of Virginia, Maryland, and the Carolinas.
The best chance to spot the Aurora Borealis will be after sunset through midnight, particularly in rural and northern parts of the state — including areas near Fredericksburg, Charlottesville, and along the Northern Neck — where light pollution is minimal.
Today’s forecast calls for plentiful sunshine and mild highs in the upper 50s to low 60s, with southwest winds gusting up to 30 mph. Temperatures will drop into the 30s overnight as the cold front moves through, keeping skies crisp and clear for evening skywatching.
If you missed last night’s light show, tonight may bring Virginia’s best opportunity in years to see the Northern Lights before clouds and cooler air settle in later this week.
