Salt Lake City, UT – Utahns could see a rare northern lights display tonight before a series of mountain snowstorms moves into the region this weekend.
According to the US National Weather Service Salt Lake City and the NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center, a strong G4 (Severe) geomagnetic storm continues to energize skies across the U.S., potentially pushing the aurora borealis into northern and central Utah. Skies will remain mostly clear Thursday night, creating favorable conditions for viewing the aurora between 9 p.m. and 1 a.m.
The best visibility will be in dark, rural areas away from city lights, particularly across the Wasatch Front and higher elevations, where clear air and low humidity improve visibility.
After tonight’s light show potential, attention turns to two upcoming storm systems. Snow will begin Saturday in southern Utah’s mountains, spreading north Sunday and lasting into early next week. Accumulations from the first storm will generally stay under 6 inches, but a stronger system Tuesday into Wednesday could produce heavier totals across the Wasatch and Brian Head areas.
Tonight’s calm, cool weather offers a brief window for both stargazing and storm preparation.
