Written by: Swikblog Weather & Science Desk
Last updated: December 8, 2025 — 12:30 AM ET
A G1-rated geomagnetic storm is forecast to bring the Northern Lights into northern U.S. skies overnight from Sunday, December 7 into Monday, December 8, according to space weather forecasters at NOAA. This first wave of activity is linked to the outer edge of a coronal mass ejection (CME) that left the Sun on December 4 after an M6-class solar flare. During this window, Kp values near 5 are expected, meaning a chance of faint aurora low on the northern horizon in several U.S. states if skies are dark and clear.
🔥 Aurora Forecast Comparison: Tonight vs. December 9
Tonight — December 7–8 (G1 Storm)
• Kp expected: 4–5
• Visibility: Northern horizon only, mainly in northern U.S. states
• Source: CME from December 4 (M6 flare)
• Aurora intensity: Faint to moderate, heavily dependent on Bz and cloud cover
December 9 (G3 Storm Watch)
• Kp potential: 7+ (much stronger storm)
• Visibility: Could extend deeper into northern and upper-Midwest states
• Source: Full-halo CME from December 6 (M8.1 flare)
• Aurora intensity: Strong, structured, likely visible to the naked eye where skies are dark
NOAA notes that December 9 currently has the highest aurora potential of the month.
The timing also coincides with the early phase of the Geminid meteor shower, one of the strongest meteor showers of 2025, creating a rare double sky event for observers across the northern United States.
Where the Northern Lights may be visible in the U.S. tonight
NOAA’s latest aurora outlook suggests that during the G1 storm on the night of December 7–8, visibility may extend into the following states, mainly as a faint glow on the northern horizon:
- Alaska
- Washington (northern)
- Idaho (northern)
- Montana
- Wyoming (northern)
- North Dakota
- South Dakota (northeastern)
- Minnesota
- Wisconsin
- Michigan (Upper Peninsula + northern Lower Peninsula)
- New York (upstate)
- Maine
These areas have the best chance of catching faint auroras, especially in rural locations with minimal light pollution. Forecasters caution that visibility is never guaranteed at mid-latitudes, and auroras may appear only as a weak glow unless the storm briefly intensifies.
Latest update: stronger G3 storm watch for December 9
Beyond tonight’s G1 storm, NOAA has issued a G3 (Strong) geomagnetic storm watch for December 9. A newer, full-halo CME associated with an M8.1-class solar flare from active Region 4299 on December 6 is expected to arrive, bringing a period of significantly enhanced geomagnetic activity.
The current forecast window shows G1 storming likely on December 8, G3 (Strong) on December 9, and a return to G1 levels on December 10. If those predictions verify, the auroral oval could expand farther south than usual, potentially giving more of the northern and upper-Midwest United States a better chance of seeing brighter, more structured auroras than during the December 7–8 event.
Solar activity: What’s causing this aurora run?
The initial aurora chance tonight is tied to the CME that erupted on December 4 after an active sunspot region produced an M6 flare, with its outer edge grazing Earth’s magnetic field and sparking G1 storm conditions.
Since then, a more powerful M8.1 flare on December 6 launched a full-halo CME aimed more directly at Earth. NOAA’s strong storm watch for December 9 is based on the expected arrival of this second CME, which could deliver one of the most active aurora nights of the month for skywatchers in northern U.S. states if local skies are clear.
Moonlight may affect visibility
The Moon, now a waning gibbous after rising as a full supermoon on December 4, may wash out faint auroras. Bright displays remain possible, especially if the G3 storm materialises on December 9, but subtle color bands may be lost in the moonlight unless the aurora becomes particularly strong.
Geminid meteor shower adds a rare double show
The Geminid meteor shower began on December 4 and continues through December 17, peaking on the night of December 13–14, according to the American Meteor Society (AMS). With both meteors and a series of solar storms active in early December, U.S. skywatchers may get an unusual combination of auroras and shooting stars on multiple nights.
How to maximize your chances of seeing the Northern Lights
- Head to a dark-sky location using the Dark Sky Finder.
- Look low on the northern horizon between 11 PM and 2 AM.
- Check live aurora updates on NOAA’s Aurora Viewline and Aurora Dashboard.
- Keep expectations realistic — many mid-latitude auroras are visible only to cameras, especially during weaker G1 events.
