The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) Space Weather Prediction Center has issued a Geomagnetic Storm Watch for Friday, April 18, 2026. The watch is in effect due to the anticipated arrival of a coronal mass ejection (CME) from the sun, which could trigger strong (G3) geomagnetic storm conditions.
When such solar material interacts with Earth's magnetic field, it can dramatically enhance auroral activity. NOAA forecasts indicate that if the storm reaches predicted levels, the aurora borealis, or northern lights, could be visible tonight from locations as far south as Illinois and Oregon. Visibility is also possible in parts of Pennsylvania, Iowa, and Nebraska under clear, dark skies.
The agency notes that geomagnetic storms of this level can also cause intermittent issues with satellite operations and induce weak power grid fluctuations. However, no significant impacts to critical infrastructure are currently anticipated from this event. The best viewing opportunity is typically in the hours around local midnight, away from city lights.
