Weather
Northern Lights Over NorCal Possible Amid 'Severe' Geomagnetic Storm
Recent coronal mass ejections made the aurora dance over several states Monday morning and may be strong enough for an evening encore.
SAN FRANCISCO — A geomagnetic storm that made the aurora borealis visible over more than two dozen states early Monday may retain enough strength for some activity to be seen in the evening as far south as Northern California, according to evolving forecasts.
Forecasters monitoring the storm have observed at least five coronal mass ejections (CMEs) from the sun since Saturday, and the northern lights dazzled parts of the Pacific Northwest on Monday morning. According to Forbes, approximately 30 states reported aurora sightings, including as far south as Texas and Mississippi.
The Space Weather Prediction Center confirmed a "severe" geomagnetic storm Monday morning and said there was some chance that elevated activity could linger long enough for an evening encore.
RELATED: 5 Dazzling Photos Of Bay Area Northern Lights
"Space weather forecasters observed Severe (G4) Geomagnetic Storm conditions just before (8 a.m. PDT) on August 12, and geomagnetic storm conditions are forecast to potentially persist through this evening," the SWPC said in a news release. "A severe geomagnetic storm includes the potential for aurora to be seen faintly as far south as Alabama and Northern California."
While not as strong as the historic "G5" displays that sent the northern lights dancing over much of the United States in May, "G4" storms can still be strong enough for revelers to spot in less light-polluted areas of NorCal.
G4 (Severe) geomagnetic storming was observed at approximately 1442 UTC on 12 Aug in response to a coronal mass ejection passing by Earth. The current G3 Warning (Strong or greater) is valid until 12/1800 UTC. pic.twitter.com/HMXAu6ughE
— NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center (@NWSSWPC) August 12, 2024
By Monday afternoon, the evolving forecast included a "G2" geomagnetic storm watch for the daytime hours, and a predicted maximum strength of "G3," which would likely be too weak for Californians to see, but the details will continue to take shape into the evening. Residents can find the live space weather conditions and updated aurora forecasts on the SWPC's website.
Generally, experts recommend revelers seek out places away from city lights with a clear view of the northern horizon to have the best chance of spotting auroral activity. Camera lenses are more sensitive than the naked eye, and smartphones may help viewers spot fainter displays that are more difficult to see.
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