Albuquerque, NM – Residents across the Southwest could witness a rare and colorful display tonight, as the Northern Lights may once again appear under clear evening skies. The ongoing G3–G4-level solar storm, according to the NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center, continues to extend auroral visibility much farther south than usual — potentially into Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada, and southern Utah.
The National Weather Service in Albuquerque reports that skies will remain clear and calm across much of the region tonight, providing a strong window for viewing the Aurora Borealis. The best time to look will be between 8 p.m. and midnight, facing north and away from city lights in rural areas.
This same solar storm has produced breathtaking auroras across the U.S. this week — with sightings as far south as Texas, Alabama, and central California. If activity remains strong, faint glows or color bands may once again be visible along the northern horizon tonight across the desert Southwest.
Temperatures will drop into the 40s and low 50s across valleys and the 30s in higher terrain, with light winds and clear skies making for ideal conditions. The region’s warm, dry trend continues through the weekend with highs climbing into the 70s and 80s.
If skies stay clear, tonight may offer one of the most southerly Northern Lights viewing opportunities the Southwest has seen in years — a rare celestial treat for desert stargazers.
