Geomagnetic Storm Watch Issued; Prepare for Northern Lights over Michigan in the southern Midwest

A powerful solar flare will likely pump enough solar energy into our atmosphere to produce widespread northern lights in the next few days.

NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC) has issued a geomagnetic storm warning for October 3-5.

According to SWPC, a powerful solar flare occurred late on October 1st. The energy from this solar flare is expected to be powerful enough to produce widespread aurora borealis across the northern third of the United States

The following forecast shows the expected Kp index at three-hour intervals from 8:00 p.m. this evening to 8:00 p.m. on October 5th. A Kp index of 6 or higher typically produces vivid northern lights, at least to the dark sky areas of southern Michigan.

There are two periods for which a Kp index of 6 or higher is forecast. The first period of possible Northern Lights begins at 8 p.m. on Thursday, October 3, until 2 a.m. on Friday, October 4. Then a second period with a Kp index of up to 7 is actually forecast, starting on dark Thursday evening and lasting until Friday, 2 a.m.

Keep in mind that these times are not as accurate as a daily weather forecast. The times are only general indications of when the Northern Lights might be visible.

The weather should be fine. We expect clear skies across Michigan Thursday evening and Friday evening.

Take a nap on Thursday afternoon and Friday afternoon. Then plan to go to a very dark place facing north on Thursday evening and Friday evening.

If you can get to a high location and look north, you’re in a great place to see the Northern Lights.

There are several large areas in Lower Michigan that generally provide the best viewing of the Northern Lights. The furthest south location is the tip of Michigan’s Thumb. From this area you have a great view of the darkness of Lake Huron. Northwestern Lower Michigan has many peaks overlooking northern Lake Michigan. Of course, Lower Michigan’s northeast coast offers another great view, high up with uninterrupted views of dark Lake Huron.

If you stay in southern Lower Michigan and still want to see the Northern Lights, you’ll have to go to a very dark rural area. You also need to be in a tree-free area and hopefully on a hill.

If you stay in a city, you won’t be able to see the Northern Lights due to too strong city light.

Watch here for updates.