A Geomagnetic Storm Watch (Level 4 Alert) was issued for the next two days thanks to a coronal mass ejection that recently occurred.
Our region will likely see the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis). The index that measures how far south the show can be seen in the Northern Hemisphere (KP Index) is expected to reach 8.33 between 8 p.m. Thursday and 2 a.m. Friday morning. The previous Northern Lights event that reached this far south back in May was associated with a KP index of 9.0.
Clear skies are needed to see the Northern Lights. Thanks to Canadian high pressure firmly in place across West Virginia, we expect absolutely no clouds and haze. Below is the forecast atmospheric profile from the surface to jet stream level for Friday at 12 a.m. and it shows a very deep layer through the atmosphere of very dry air and clear skies.
Friends and family along and north of I-70 will be able to see the Northern Lights through daybreak on Friday and again Friday night into Saturday morning with a KP index of 5.3 forecast.