Geomagnetic Storm Watch issued; Prepare for northern lights over Michigan, southern Midwest

A strong solar flare is likely going to blow enough solar energy into our atmosphere to produce widespread northern lights in the next few days.

The NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC) has issued a Geomagnetic Storm Watch for October 3 to October 5.

SWPC says a strong solar flare occurred late on October 1. The energy from this solar flare should be strong enough to produce widespread northern lights across the northern third of the U.S.

The forecast below shows the expected Kp Index in three hour intervals from 8 p.m. tonight to 8 p.m. October 5. A Kp Index of 6 or higher usually produces vivid northern lights at least as far south as the dark sky areas of southern Michigan.

There are two periods that are forecasted to have a Kp Index of 6 or higher. The first period of possible northern lights starts at 8 p.m. Thursday, October 3 to 2 a.m. Friday, October 4. Then a second period is actually forecasted to have a Kp Index as high as 7 starting at dark Thursday evening and continuing to 2 a.m. Friday.

Remember these times aren’t as accurate as a daily weather forecast. The times are just general guides as to when northern lights could be visible.

The weather should greatly cooperate. We expect clear skies Thursday night and Friday night over all of Michigan.

Get a nap in Thursday afternoon and Friday afternoon. Then plan to go to a very dark spot with a view of the north Thursday evening and Friday evening.

If you can get to a high location and look down to the north you will be in a great place to see the northern lights.

In Lower Michigan there are several large areas that generally provide the best northern lights viewing. The farthest south location is the tip of Michigan’s Thumb. This area gives you a great look over the darkness of Lake Huron. Northwest Lower Michigan has many high spots overlooking northern Lake Michigan. Of course the northeast shoreline of Lower Michigan has another great view located high above an unobstructed view of dark Lake Huron.

If you want to stay in southern Lower Michigan and still see the northern lights, you’ll have to get out into a very dark rural area. You also will have to be in a treeless area and hopefully on top of a hill.

If you stay in a city you won’t be able to see the northern lights due to too much city light.

Watch for updates here.