Rare G4 geomagnetic storm could bring vivid northern lights to Minnesota
A rare G4 geomagnetic storm has already produced widespread auroras and could bring vivid northern lights to Minnesota Monday evening, with the best viewing chances in the Pacific Northwest, eastern Dakotas and Minnesota. If G4 levels return the display could be visible as far south as Alabama and Northern California; experts warn this may be the strongest solar radiation storm in more than 20 years (the last S4-level event was in 2003), though local cloud cover will affect visibility.
📌 Key Facts
- A rare geomagnetic storm has already reached G4 severity and produced widespread auroras across the U.S. on Tuesday night.
- Forecasters say if G4 levels are hit again Monday evening and into tonight, the northern lights could be visible as far south as Alabama and Northern California.
- The best chances for a clear view are in the Pacific Northwest, eastern Dakotas, and Minnesota, with Minnesota explicitly called a high‑probability zone.
- Sky conditions will affect visibility: overcast skies are likely across the Northern Rockies, Central Plains and Great Lakes; mixed clouds are expected in the Northeast; Minnesota is forecast to have comparatively better conditions.
- An aurora chaser called this potentially the strongest solar radiation storm in over 20 years, noting the last S4‑level storm occurred in 2003.
📊 Relevant Data
G4 geomagnetic storms are rare events, with the Space Weather Prediction Center issuing its first G4 watch since 2005 in May 2024.
SWPC Issues Its First G4 Watch Since 2005 — NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center
During solar cycles 23 and 24 (1996–2019), there were 12 geomagnetic storms with Dst index ≤ −200 nT classified as extreme, which aligns with G4 or higher severity.
Catalog of Geomagnetic Storms with Dst Index ≤ −50 nT and Their Solar and Interplanetary Origin for Solar Cycles 23 and 24 (1996–2019) — MDPI Atmosphere
G4 geomagnetic storms can cause widespread voltage control problems, protective system trips leading to power grid collapses, satellite navigation degradation, and high-frequency radio blackouts.
A G4 geomagnetic storm may degrade satellite navigation for some hours and disrupt low-frequency radio navigation.
Severe G4 Geomagnetic Storm Watch Issued, Auroras May be Seen as Far South as Alabama — DTN Progressive Farmer
📰 Source Timeline (2)
Follow how coverage of this story developed over time
- Confirms that the current geomagnetic storm has already reached G4 severity and produced widespread auroras across the U.S. Tuesday night.
- Specifies that Monday evening’s (and into tonight’s) aurora may be visible as far south as Alabama and Northern California if G4 levels are hit again.
- Highlights that the 'best chance for a clear view' is in the Pacific Northwest, eastern Dakotas, and Minnesota, explicitly calling out Minnesota as a high‑probability zone.
- Adds sky condition context: overcast skies likely across the Northern Rockies, Central Plains, Great Lakes, with mixed clouds in the Northeast, and comparatively better conditions over Minnesota.
- Provides expert context from a professional aurora chaser calling this potentially the strongest solar radiation storm in over 20 years, with the last S4 level in 2003.