NOAA has issued a G4 geomagnetic storm watch for Nov. 12 after several coronal mass ejections, raising the possibility that the Northern Lights could be visible as far south as Alabama. A G4 rating on the SWPC G1–G5 scale is severe and can affect satellites, navigation and communications. The watch is the fourth G4-level alert of the current solar cycle, an unusually active sign for 2025. For viewing, check spaceweather.gov and look between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. away from city lights.
Northern Lights Could Reach Alabama: NOAA Issues G4 Geomagnetic Storm Warning for Nov. 12
NOAA has issued a G4 geomagnetic storm watch for Nov. 12 after several coronal mass ejections, raising the possibility that the Northern Lights could be visible as far south as Alabama. A G4 rating on the SWPC G1–G5 scale is severe and can affect satellites, navigation and communications. The watch is the fourth G4-level alert of the current solar cycle, an unusually active sign for 2025. For viewing, check spaceweather.gov and look between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. away from city lights.
05:28 AM, 11/12/2025Science
NOAA Warns of Strong Geomagnetic Storm — Aurora Possible as Far South as Alabama
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has issued a geomagnetic storm watch for Nov. 12 that could push auroras — commonly called the Northern Lights — into much lower latitudes than usual, potentially as far south as Alabama.
What’s happening: The Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC) attributes the event to a series of coronal mass ejections (CMEs) — large eruptions of solar material and magnetic fields from the Sun — that began over the weekend. These CMEs can disturb Earth’s magnetic field and trigger geomagnetic storms.
Storm strength and context: NOAA has rated the Nov. 12 event as a G4 (severe) on the SWPC scale, which runs from G1 (minor) to G5 (extreme). While not as intense as the G5 storm in May 2024 that produced auroras as far south as Florida, a G4 event is still significant. This watch marks the fourth G4-level alert of the current solar cycle — an unusually high level of activity for 2025, according to the County Herald Weather Center.
Potential impacts: Geomagnetic storms can damage or degrade satellites, interfere with navigation systems and radio communications, and in extreme cases stress electrical grids. Observers should stay informed about potential service disruptions during the storm period.
Aurora viewing tips: If the sky clears, aurora visibility is typically best between about 10:00 p.m. and 2:00 a.m. local time. For the best chance to see the lights, find a dark location away from city lights, allow your eyes to adapt to the dark, and check real-time forecasts for current aurora activity.
NOAA advises U.S. stargazers and those who monitor space weather to check spaceweather.gov for updates, maps and short-term aurora forecasts. Observers should also follow any guidance from local utilities or communications providers in case of service impacts.
Bottom line: A G4 geomagnetic storm watch on Nov. 12 raises the real possibility of auroras reaching southern states, including Alabama, while also carrying risks to satellites and communications. Stay updated and plan viewing away from bright lights.