Northern lights this week? NOAA predicts strong G3 geomagnetic storm

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) on Friday issued a fresh alert for a G3 geomagnetic storm over the weekend

Published on: Mar 22, 2025, 11:59:28 IST

By HT News Desk

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The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) on Friday issued a fresh alert for a G3 geomagnetic storm over the weekend. The agency added that solar activity hit moderate levels with a notable flare from Region 4028, a sunspot group, sparking an M1.2 flare. The storm is expected to bring northern lights to several regions in the northern hemisphere - covering most of Canada and the United States.

A G3 geomagnetic storm will hit Earth over the weekend (Representational image/Pixabay)

The NOAA said that the flare came with a radio burst moving at 334 km/s. Earlier in the day, the NWS Space Weather Prediction Center had issued a warning about a G2 storm.

What is the difference between G2 and G3 geomagnetic storms?

Geomagnetic storms are ranked G1 to G5. A G2 (Moderate, Kp 6) storm brings weak power fluctuations, minor satellite issues, and auroras at high latitudes. A stronger G3 (Kp 7) causes voltage irregularities, satellite drag, and auroras down to 45°.

G3 geomagnetic storm prediction for March 22 (NOAA)

Aurora map for G3 geomagnetic storm

A G3 storm could push the northern lights as far south as 45° latitude— to as far as Illinois, Oregon, or southern Germany. Visibility mainly depends on the weather (clear skies).

However, the forecast isn’t certain. Storm intensity can fizzle or surge. One can check local cloud cover.

According to NOAA, Saturday's aurora forecast is at Kp: 7 (Range 0 to 9). Its creation time is set at 04:28:10

“The general public may keep informed by visiting our webpage for any forecast changes and updates. The aurora may become visible over many of the northern states and some of the lower Midwest to Oregon,” the agency adds.

In October last year, a strong geomagnetic storm lit up the night sky in parts of the US. South Africa’s National Space Agency (SANSA) said that the storm had originated from a solar flare “that erupted from sunspot 3842 on October 3”.

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HT News Desk
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