The Space Weather Prediction Center issued a geomagnetic storm watch for Friday through Sunday, which means the Aurora Borealis or Northern Lights may be visible for us in West Michigan.

Actually, looking at the map, it seems that most of Michigan could experience the lights, of course as long as clouds stay out of the way. According to the watch that was issued, it looks like Friday and Sunday will be minor view chances, but Saturday is the best time to probably see the natural light show.

Geomagnetic activity is expected to rise on Friday, September 27 due to an increasingly disturbed solar wind field associated with effects of a positive polarity coronal hole high speed stream (CH HSS). The solar wind environment is anticipated to become enhanced and solar wind speeds are expected to climb towards 650 km/s later on the 27th; likely causing G1 storm conditions. Geomagnetic activity is expected to escalate further in reaction to  elevated solar wind speeds approaching 700 km/s, likely leading to G2 storm levels on Saturday, September 28. Enhanced activity is anticipated to continue into early Sunday, September 29 - with an early period of G1 storm levels likely.

What are the chances we'll actually be able to catch a glimpse here in West Michigan?  It's not looking that hopefull as rain is in our forecast all day Friday and Saturday morning, before returning Sunday, according to FOX 17 Meteorologist Anthony Domol:

 

Friday: Turning mostly cloudy. A good chance of showers and storms in the afternoon and evening. Highs in the low/mid 70s. Southeast winds at 10 to 15 mph becoming southwest at 10 to 20 mph.

Saturday: A chance of morning showers. Decreasing clouds by afternoon. Highs near 70°.

Sunday: Partly to mostly cloudy with an isolated chance for a shower or two. Highs in the lower 70s.

Hopefully, that predicted sunshine Saturday afternoon lends to us being able to see the Northern Lights a bit.

swpc.noaa.gov
swpc.noaa.gov
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