Michigan Aurora Forecast: Northern Lights Expected Tonight The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC) forecasts that the northern lights, or aurora borealis, may be visible over Michigan skies on Wednesday night, March 18. However, the visibility is expected to be limited due to cloudy conditions and potential snowfall, according to the National Weather Service. The SWPC’s dashboard map indicates that auroras could be seen in up to 17 states, with Michigan being one of the regions where the phenomenon is predicted to be visible across the entire state. Despite the forecast, local weather offices warn that widespread cloud cover and, in some areas, snow or freezing rain could obstruct the view. Experts recommend finding a dark, open area with clear skies for the best chance of observing the auroras. NOAA has also noted that a G2 geomagnetic storm is expected to occur on Tuesday night, which would produce a Kp index of 6. This index measures the severity of global magnetic disturbances near Earth, with a rating of 5 or higher typically indicating that the northern lights may be visible in Michigan. The auroras are caused by solar wind particles interacting with Earth’s magnetic field, creating vibrant displays of light in the night sky. These lights often appear in shades of green, pink, and red, with varying intensities depending on atmospheric conditions. NOAA’s forecast highlights that the southernmost extent of auroral visibility on March 18 will span parts of multiple states, though specific regions may vary. The colors of the auroras depend on the gases in the atmosphere and the energy levels of the particles involved.#national_weather_service #national_oceanic_and_atmospheric_administration #noaa #space_weather_prediction_center #aurora_borealis
El Niño Coming; What It Means For Summer Temps, Hurricane Season And Next Year? El Niño is expected to develop this summer and could strengthen into a super El Niño by the end of the year, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The agency updated its forecast on Thursday, noting that warming waters in the equatorial Pacific are increasing the likelihood of El Niño forming during June, July, and August. The probability of a full El Niño event has risen to 62% for those months, with a 1-in-3 chance of a super El Niño occurring by October, November, and December. A super El Niño is defined as sea surface temperatures in the Pacific being at least 1.5°C above average for several months. This would mark the strongest El Niño since the 2023-2024 event, which was among the top five strongest warming episodes on record. El Niño occurs when the typical east-to-west winds in the equatorial Pacific weaken, allowing warmer water to accumulate in the eastern region. This phenomenon has widespread global effects, particularly on weather patterns in the United States. While El Niño does not historically significantly alter summer temperatures across the country, its timing and strength can influence hurricane activity. Stronger El Niño events increase atmospheric wind shear in the Atlantic Ocean, which disrupts hurricane formation. As a result, hurricanes tend to be weaker and less frequent during the Atlantic hurricane season if El Niño is active during the summer and persists into the fall. If the El Niño event extends into the winter months, it could shift weather patterns across the U.S.#el_nino #national_oceanic_and_atmospheric_administration #atlantic_hurricane_season #equatorial_pacific #el_nino_southern_oscillation
Winter Storm Bringing Blizzard Conditions and Record Snow to Upper Midwest A powerful winter storm is set to unleash blizzard-like conditions, record snowfall, and hazardous travel scenarios across the upper Midwest and Great Lakes, with additional cold air sweeping into the Southeast. The storm, named Winter Storm Iona by The Weather Channel, is expected to deliver intense snowfall, high winds, and freezing temperatures, creating extreme challenges for residents. Snowfall rates are currently between 1 to 3 inches per hour in parts of Wisconsin and Michigan, with over 20 inches already recorded from southern Minnesota to central Wisconsin. In Marinette, Wisconsin, snow accumulation has reached 28 inches. The storm is projected to bring more than a foot of snow to areas spanning southern Minnesota, central and northern Wisconsin, and far northern Lower Michigan. Some locations, including Green Bay, Marquette, and Mackinac Island, could see 1 to 3 feet of snow, with isolated spots in northern Michigan potentially receiving up to 4 feet. This would surpass historical snowfall records for the region. The storm’s impact is expected to intensify through early Monday, with snowfall accompanied by strong winds that could lead to near-impossible travel conditions. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) warns that some areas in northeast Wisconsin, eastern Upper Michigan, and extreme northern Lower Michigan may break or approach two-day snowstorm records. Additionally, freezing rain and sleet could affect parts of extreme northern Iowa, southern Minnesota, and Lower Michigan on Sunday, followed by a shift to rain and then snow. Ice accumulations could make roads hazardous.#green_bay #national_oceanic_and_atmospheric_administration #winter_storm_iona #marinette_wisconsin #mackinac_island
Houston’s Cold Front Brings Thunderstorms, Wind Gusts and Temperature Drop Houston is bracing for a significant weather event as a strong cold front moves through the region, bringing thunderstorms, powerful wind gusts, and a sharp drop in temperatures. The National Weather Service has issued multiple advisories, with 23 active warnings covering 23 different areas. The front is expected to push temperatures well below average, with “feels-like” temperatures dropping into the 30s and 40s by Monday morning. The cold front is set to arrive late Wednesday night, with wind conditions intensifying throughout the day. A Wind Advisory is in effect from early Wednesday morning until 6 p.m. on Monday, warning of sustained south-southwesterly winds reaching 15-25 mph, with gusts up to 40-45 mph. These winds will shift to northerly after the front passes, remaining gusty through Sunday night into Monday. Residents are urged to secure loose items outdoors as wind speeds are expected to spike during the storm. The transition from southerly to northerly winds will replace moist Gulf air with drier air from the north, leading to a rapid decline in humidity. This shift will significantly increase fire danger, particularly along and west of Interstate 45 and near the coast. A Fire Weather Watch is active from Monday morning through evening, with winds gusting 25-35 mph in some areas. Combined with relative humidity dropping to 18%, these conditions create a high risk for rapid wildfire spread. The National Weather Service has also outlined a 5-level risk system to assess severe weather threats. Currently, the situation is classified as a Marginal Risk (1 out of 5) for most areas, indicating isolated severe storms with limited organization and intensity.#national_weather_service #houston #national_oceanic_and_atmospheric_administration #interstate_45
El Niño 2026 Warning: Why experts fear weak monsoon and extreme heat could hit India this year Global weather agencies, including the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), are growing more confident that El Niño conditions could develop later this year, potentially disrupting India’s monsoon rainfall. Scientists warn that the phenomenon could lead to weaker monsoon rains and higher temperatures, urging early preparation despite uncertain forecasts. The next two months are critical for clearer signals about the developing weather pattern. According to the Climate Prediction Center (CPC) under NOAA, the likelihood of El Niño forming between June and August has risen to 62%, with projections suggesting it could climb to over 80% in the following months. This marks a significant increase from the agency’s earlier forecast in February, which estimated a 52% chance of El Niño occurring between July and September, with a projected rise to around 60% later. The updated outlook indicates that the Pacific Ocean is gradually warming, a typical sign of El Niño’s onset. El Niño, characterized by the warming of surface waters in the central and eastern equatorial Pacific, disrupts global wind patterns and influences weather systems worldwide. In India, the phenomenon has historically been linked to below-average monsoon rainfall. Since 1980, 14 El Niño years have occurred, with nine of them coinciding with deficient monsoons—rainfall at least 10% below the long-term average. For example, in 2018, monsoon rainfall was 9.4% below normal. Veteran meteorologist M Rajeevan, a former secretary in India’s Ministry of Earth Sciences, emphasized the strong historical connection between El Niño and weaker monsoons, urging early preparations despite the uncertainty in forecasts.#india #el_nio #national_oceanic_and_atmospheric_administration #climate_prediction_center #indian_ocean_dipole
2026 Atlantic Hurricane Season Outlook: First Category 5 Storm and Key Predictions The 2026 Atlantic hurricane season is approaching, with the first Category 5 tropical cyclone of the year already forming in the South Indian Ocean. Tropical Cyclone Horacio was upgraded to this classification on February 23, reaching peak winds of 160 mph. The storm is expected to weaken as it moves toward cooler waters and remains far from land, posing minimal risk to populated areas but potentially affecting marine ecosystems. Hurricane season in the Atlantic officially begins on June 1 and concludes on November 30. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) estimates an average season includes 14 named storms, seven hurricanes (with sustained winds of 74 mph or higher), and three major hurricanes (winds of 111 mph or greater). However, predictions for 2026 remain uncertain, as forecasters have not yet made definitive forecasts. The 2025 Atlantic season saw 13 named storms, including five hurricanes and four major hurricanes. This year’s activity could be influenced by El Niño, a natural warming of the tropical Pacific Ocean, which is expected to develop later in 2026. El Niño typically suppresses Atlantic hurricane formation, particularly in the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico, while boosting activity in the eastern and central Pacific. The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) assigns storm names in alphabetical order, skipping letters Q, U, X, Y, and Z due to the lack of names starting with those letters. The 2026 naming list includes names like Arlene, Bret, and Claudette, with the full list continuing alphabetically. While the U.S.#el_nino #national_oceanic_and_atmospheric_administration #western_north_carolina #tropical_cyclone_horacio #world_meteorological_organization
