A solar storm will blast Earth this weekend, making northern lights visible in Tri-Cities
The aurora borealis is expected to be visible in Washington from Friday through Sunday as the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Space Weather Prediction Center issued a G3 (Strong) Geomagnetic Storm watch.
Will they be visible from cities in eastern Washington? Will the clouds clear up in time to see them? Here’s what we know so far:
Will the northern lights be visible in WA?
According to NOAA’s experimental aurora dashboard, Washington is expected to see a strong geomagnetic storm starting late Thursday night.
The aurora predicted view line falls south of Washington state, which means residents of the Evergreen State will have a chance to see the northern lights.
According to Mary Wister, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Pendleton, there are two coronal mass ejections traveling toward Earth, strong geomagnetic activity that will create the phenomenon.
The activity is predicted to continue through Sunday, Oct. 6, meaning at least a couple of nights worth of viewing opportunities.
Tri-Cities weather during northern lights
While there are some clouds out in Tri-Cities, coverage is expected to diminish overnight, Wister told the Herald in a phone interview.
The meteorologist said there will be good opportunities to see the aurora borealis in Tri-Cities both Friday and Saturday night.
The wind is expected to die down as well, meaning ideal viewing conditions.
For the best view of the northern lights, you’ll want to find a space far from light pollution. You can search your location and related light pollution on a light pollution map.
“It’s amazing how much light pollution can affect your viewing,” Wister told the Herald. “Definitely get out of the city and into some darker areas.”
