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
Severe Storms Expected in Midwest and Southeast Today A new round of severe weather is forecast to impact parts of the South, Midwest, and East through Monday, with damaging winds and a few tornadoes possible from Texas to the East Coast. This event marks the third severe storm outbreak of the month, affecting regions that have already experienced repeated severe weather from earlier outbreaks on March 5-8 and March 10-12. The latest storm system is occurring on the warm side of an upper Midwest blizzard, named Winter Storm Iona by The Weather Channel. While previous outbreaks featured strong tornadoes, this event is expected to emphasize damaging winds over tornado activity. Severe thunderstorms are forming as a squall line stretching from the Midwest to the South, with winds exceeding 75 mph anticipated within the line. The highest risk for damaging winds spans from Evansville, Indiana, to west of Memphis, Tennessee. Some tornadoes, including a few EF2 or greater, are also possible. Current tornado watches include: Northeastern Louisiana to southwestern Indiana until 11 p.m. CDT Central Illinois until 10 p.m. CDT Northeastern Texas to the Arkansas-Missouri border until 9 p.m. CDT Southern Missouri to southwestern Illinois until 8 p.m. CDT By Sunday night, the squall line will move eastward across the Ohio Valley, lower Mississippi Valley, and Tennessee Valley, extending into the easternmost areas of the severe weather threat map. As a cold front from the Great Lakes low-pressure system advances east, damaging winds are expected to spread across much of the East, from north Florida to the Northeast, on Monday. NOAA’s Storm Prediction Center has highlighted the mid-Atlantic states to the Carolinas as the area with the highest severe weather risk.#storm_prediction_center #midwest #weather_channel #noaa #southeast
WESH 2 Predicts 2026 Hurricane Season with Identified Hot Spots The 2026 Atlantic hurricane season is approaching, and the WESH 2 First Warning Weather team has released a long-range forecast to highlight potential areas of activity. The team has developed its own seasonal outlook by analyzing various climate factors, including sea surface temperatures, atmospheric patterns, and historical data. This analysis aims to provide a clearer picture of what to expect during the upcoming season. A key element in predicting hurricane activity is the influence of El Niño and La Niña events in the Pacific Ocean. These phenomena affect global weather patterns, including temperatures and wind conditions in the Atlantic Basin. As of late February 2026, NOAA reported that a La Niña event is weakening in the Pacific, with water temperatures gradually rising. Most climate models suggest a 50-70% chance of a neutral state at the start of the hurricane season on June 1. NOAA also noted a 50%+ likelihood of an El Niño developing by the peak of the season. El Niño typically suppresses tropical development, while La Niña often creates more favorable conditions for hurricane formation. However, historical data shows that not all seasons follow these trends. By examining past hurricane seasons with similar Pacific temperature patterns, the team identified five instances where consecutive weaker La Niñas transitioned to neutral or El Niño conditions. These years saw increased storm activity in the southwest Atlantic and the northern Caribbean, with a concentration of storms in the eastern Gulf region. The WESH 2 forecast method emphasizes the importance of recognizing recurring weather patterns that influence tropical development.#noaa #wesh_2 #florida_panhandle #tampa #southeast_coast
