ANNANDALE, Va. – A rare chance to see the Northern Lights may light up Virginia skies late Monday into early Tuesday. Residents across Annandale and much of Northern Virginia are urged to head outside after dark for a possible view, especially in areas away from city lights.
According to the National Weather Service and NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center, a powerful coronal mass ejection from the sun is expected to spark moderate geomagnetic storm activity through Tuesday morning. That means skies from Virginia to the Midwest could glow with aurora displays if conditions stay clear. For the best chance, look north between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m., away from bright roadways like I-95 and Route 50.
Locally, calm and mostly clear skies tonight will help visibility, with lows near 57 degrees. Tuesday brings sunshine back, with highs near 78 and a light breeze. By midweek, temperatures climb into the low 80s, with dry, pleasant afternoons. The next weather change comes Thursday evening when a line of showers could move in, bringing a 50% chance of rain.
Drivers should remain alert Thursday night into Friday morning, as wet roads could slow traffic during the early commute. Otherwise, the rest of the week offers warm, dry afternoons and comfortable evenings — a classic start to meteorological fall.
Skies remain clear and mild through Friday, setting the stage for a sunny holiday weekend. Any new advisories on Northern Lights visibility or incoming storms will be updated by the National Weather Service.
Five Day Forecast for Annandale, VA
- Tuesday: Mostly sunny, high near 78, low 57.
- Wednesday: Mostly sunny, high near 80, low 62.
- Thursday: Sunny early, chance of showers late, high 84, low 63.
- Friday: Mostly sunny, high near 81, low 60.
- Saturday: Mostly sunny, high near 82, low 59.
