Auroras could be visible tonight across WNY

3 days ago

0 1 minute read

As of 11pm on Saturday, March 22, no geomagnetic storm impacts have been recorded yet. It’s all about the waiting game now.

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) — NOAA is forecasting strong G3 geomagnetic storm conditions that could occur later tonight (Saturday night) due to the arrival of a solar flare, also known as a “solar burp.” When G3 conditions are reached, the auroras—often associated with polar regions—can be visible even at middle latitudes across the United States. If you’re in an area with clear skies tonight, be sure to keep a lookout toward the northern horizon for a chance to witness this stunning natural light display.

AURORAS TONIGHT: NOAA is predicting Strong G3 conditions will be possible later tonight (Saturday night) in response to the arrival of a "Sun burp". At G3. auroras can spill across even middle latitudes of the United States. pic.twitter.com/2Wh6xeRcmI

— Eric Snitil (@EricSnitilWx) March 22, 2025

The big question for us here in Western New York is whether the clouds will clear in time for the peak of the aurora activity. Be sure to check back here for updates throughout the night as conditions evolve.

Credit: NOAA

Conditions look to peak around 11pm this evening. The best place to view the auroras will be somewhere where there are no lights (like the lakeshore line). Given the direction at which the clouds are supposed to move in from, looking in the northwest direction also looks to be your best bet.

The big question for tonight's chance to see the Auroras here in WNY is going to be the cloud coverage AND when conditions peak. Below are three different time frames of when we could potentially see peak conditions and the cloud coverage expected at that time. Stay tuned! pic.twitter.com/doPIWVAAQ0

— Leanne Byer (@LeanneByerwx1) March 22, 2025