Northern Lights In NYC: Another Glimpse Possible Tonight

NEW YORK — After Tuesday’s impressive display of the northern lights seen as far south as the U.S. Gulf Coast, they may repeat in half the country Wednesday, including in New York City.

The widespread aurora displays were caused by one of the most powerful G4-rated geomagnetic storms of the current solar cycle, are the strongest since Oct. 10, 2024, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

The strongest G-4 conditions are expected to arrive between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., but G-3 conditions are likely to persist for many hours after that. The forecast calls for a Kp index of up to 8 on a scale of 0-9.

According to NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center, the latest forecast shows auroral view lines just north of New York City. Upstate New York and parts of northwestern New Jersey may have the opportunity to see a glimpse of the lights on the horizon.

In New York City, bright city lights could drown out any possible views, but on Tuesday, residents citywide were able to catch a glimpse of the northern lights, according to multiple social media posts.

The best time to look at the northern horizon is after sunset on Wednesday, according to experts.

It’s advisable to get as far away from city lights as possible. Most of the state will be dealing with a bit of cloud cover Wednesday evening, forecasters said.

Good viewing locations include nature parks, places of high elevation, or any location that doesn't have a lot of light pollution.