Weather update for Wednesday, July 2 – Thursday, July 3, 2025
A spectacular cosmic show is heading for the skies over the northern United States. A delayed coronal mass ejection — a powerful burst of solar particles from the Sun — could spark a minor geomagnetic storm tonight, triggering displays of the Northern Lights just as the Milky Way makes its stunning entrance into the summer night sky.
According to the Space Weather Prediction Center of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the geomagnetic activity may intensify as darkness sets in across the U.S. on Wednesday evening, potentially creating vivid aurora displays in at least 14 states.
What is expected from this geomagnetic event
NOAA’s three-day space weather outlook includes a forecast for a G1 geomagnetic storm, the lowest level on the G1 to G5 scale used to measure solar storm intensity. However, a Kp index of 5 — a key measure of aurora strength — suggests that auroras could extend into northern U.S. skies if solar winds align just right.
The solar eruption in question was launched from the Sun on June 28, but its arrival at Earth’s magnetic field has been delayed, now projected to peak on the evening of Wednesday, July 2, and possibly linger into early Thursday, July 3.
As NOAA stated earlier today on X (formerly Twitter):
“G1 (Minor) geomagnetic storming is likely 02–03 July due to the CME effects.”
Where the Northern Lights may be seen tonight
If skies remain clear and forecasts hold, aurora sightings could occur in parts of Washington, northern Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Iowa, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine.
Viewlines released by NOAA suggest the best chances lie near the U.S.–Canada border, especially in rural or remote areas with minimal light pollution.
When and how to catch the aurora
Aurora activity is highly unpredictable, and visibility can shift rapidly depending on solar wind conditions, which are measured in real-time by NASA’s DSCOVR and ACE satellites. These satellites, located about 1 million miles from Earth, can offer a 30-minute advance warning once the solar wind’s magnetic intensity and speed become favorable.
Night sky watchers should remain flexible, as even with favorable forecasts, Northern Lights can be elusive. Sudden weather changes or increased moonlight from the first quarter Moon tonight may interfere with visibility, especially in more urbanized areas.
The Milky Way adds to the night’s magic
This week offers ideal conditions to view the Milky Way, particularly its luminous galactic core that rises in the southern sky after sunset during the summer months. While it’s visible throughout the year, its most dramatic appearance occurs between late May and September.
In tonight’s skies, the Milky Way’s core will stretch above the horizon, presenting a stunning ribbon of stars, nebulae and star clusters for those positioned far from artificial light. However, as the Moon grows brighter, some light pollution is inevitable.
Stay alert for possible aurora flares later this evening across the northern U.S., especially between 10 PM and 2 AM local time. Check NOAA’s 30-minute updates or the Glendale Aurora App for live tracking of geomagnetic conditions.
