LOOK UP! Amazing Northern Lights Possible Monday in Minnesota + Wisconsin
The last few years, I've been lucky enough to have a chance to see the Northern Lights a few times. I've lost a few nights of sleep as a result but I was able to check this amazing weather feature off my bucket list. If you have this on your list, you are probably going to want to stop by a Caribou or Starbucks and grab some extra caffeine because it appears like the lights are showing up again in Minnesota, Iowa, Wisconsin, Illinois, and several other Northern states in the U.S.
Get Ready! The Northern Lights Are Showing Up Monday Night in Minnesota, Iowa, Wisconsin and Illinois
I'm a bit of a weather nerd. I am not someone who looks to see what the temperature is going to hit for the day or know when it might rain (we have apps for that) but I do know quite a bit about tornadoes and the Northern Lights. One of those is a bit safer to view than the other. Lucky for us, it appears that we are going to have a chance to see it on Monday, July 29th.
CAUGHT ON CAMERA: Tornado Dropped in Southeast Minnesota
According to NOAA.gov, it appears that the Northern Lights are giving us another show this week. Based on the latest prediction, quite a few of the northern states will have a chance to get outside and check out the lights, including Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and parts of Illinois.
Northern Lights Should Be Possible on Tuesday Night For Most of Minnesota and Wisconsin
Based on the latest prediction, there will be another chance to see the Northern Lights on Tuesday, July 30th for most of Minnesota and Wisconsin. The chance appears to be a bit less but the red viewing line is including both of these states.
Will The Smoke or Clouds Impact The Viewing of the Northern Lights Tonight?
I haven't been outside for a bit but did notice this morning that we had quite the haze happening in our sky this morning in parts of Minnesota. Clouds and that smoke haze could impact viewing. For the latest on viewing info, check NOAA.gov.
Tips to See the Northern Lights
I've used these recommended tips every time and have had some great viewings!
- Drive away from the city lights. This typically means getting off the main roads and finding a country road that doesn't have any type of lighting nearby.
- Park away from a farm or street lights. (And please, for the love of all things, do NOT park on the edge of a busy road. This is extremely dangerous!)
- Take a photo with your phone of the sky - if you see green on the photo when you look at it, that is probably the Northern Lights. This also helps you realize where they are if so you can attempt to view it with just your eyes.
What Is The Best Month To See The Northern Lights?
If you are antsy to see this natural phenomenon, there are a few months out of the year when the colors of the aurora borealis tend to pop up more often. If you are wanting to catch a glimpse, according to Space.com, the best chances to see the lights in the United States are between late September and late March.
What Are The Best Times To See The Northern Lights?
If you aren't a night owl like myself, you are going to want to grab an extra cup of coffee if you are planning on watching the Northern Lights tonight. You are probably going to need it. Based on the info at Discovertheworld.com and my own personal viewing, the best times to see the Northern Lights are between 9:00 pm and 2:00 am. The lights are typically the brightest though between 11:00 pm and Midnight.
LOOK: 34 Northern Lights Photos That Are Better Than What You Saw On Social Media
Gallery Credit: Rob Carroll
