A strong solar storm heading towards Earth could allow parts of the UK to see the Northern lights this weekend, the Met Office has said. Space weather experts have issued a rare severe geomagnetic storm (G4) warning, the first in nearly 20 years.
The storm, caused by powerful eruptions known as coronal mass ejections, could trigger spectacular aurora displays visible across Scotland, Northern Ireland, and parts of northern England and Wales. Krista Hammond, the Met Office’s space weather manager, said multiple coronal mass ejections are expected to reach Earth in the coming days, bringing potential for aurora visibility over the UK, particularly on Friday night.
While short nights at this time of year will limit the visibility window, conditions could allow sightings on Friday night. Aurora visibility may persist through Saturday night, but it is likely to be less widespread, with northern parts of the UK having the best viewing potential. Stephen Dixon, a Met Office spokesperson, added that clear skies would improve chances, and visibility could occur further south with the right equipment.
The vast majority of the UK is expected to see sunny and dry weather on Saturday, with highs of 26°C in the south-east. Temperatures could rise to 27°C on Sunday, which may also bring intense rainfall and thunderstorms. Two yellow weather warnings for thunderstorms are in place on Sunday: one for western parts of Northern Ireland from 11am to 7pm, and another covering a large part of England and Wales from noon to 10pm.
The US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) issued a G4 geomagnetic storm watch on Thursday, the second highest on its scale, last issued in 2005. It said the sun produced strong solar flares beginning Wednesday, resulting in five outbursts of plasma capable of disrupting satellites and power grids. An extreme G5 storm in 2003 caused power outages in Sweden and damaged transformers in South Africa. NOAA said the latest storm could produce northern lights in the US as far south as Alabama and northern California.
