Northern Lights Visible in Missouri & Illinois Tonight: Aurora Watch

ST. LOUIS — 7:00 p.m. UPDATE: The aurora has been seen in some areas tonight even though the IMF remains north. If the IMF trends south in the next few hours, there is a chance for a highly visible experience in the northern sky tonight. 5:45 p.m. UPDATE: NOAA's SWPC says this is the strongest geomagnetic storm in over 20 years is impacting Earth tonight. The current interplanetary magnetic field remains north. It must turn to the south in order for us to really see the aurora. It's possible, but not for certain. If you will be outside searching for the northern lights, bundle up. Temperatures remain quite cold. UPDATE: The Space Weather Prediction Center has issued a Severe Geomagnetic Storm Alert. Severe geomagnetic conditions are now occurring and will flux in intensity from time to time through the night. This still does not guarantee we'll be able to see the northern lights, but chances are definitely higher now. Earlier version: The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Space Weather Prediction Center has issued a geomagnetic storm watch for Monday evening, and there is a chance that those in the bi-state region of Missouri and Illinois could see the rare treat of Northern Lights Monday after dark. 5 On Your Side Chief Meteorologist Scott Connell said that skies overhead will be clear through the evening, so that if the interplanetary magnetic field aligns properly, the opportunity to see the lights locally would increase. The northern lights were last visible in the bi-state in November, and several viewers captured gorgeous photos. A coronal mass ejection (CME) left the sun on January 18 and is impacting Earth this evening. A CME is an eruption of solar materials and magnetic fields from the sun. Upon interacting with Earth's atmosphere, a geomagnetic storm can result. Depending on the orientation of the interplanetary magnetic field (IMF), the aurora may be visible across much of the northern half of the United States. The exact orientation of the IMF ebbs and flows and we cannot guarantee the northern lights will be visible across the bi state region. It is likely there will be at least some activity across the northern parts of the country. Our skies remain mostly clear through the evening, so if the IMF aligns properly, the opportunity to see the northern lights would increase locally. @ksdknews Northern lights advisory - they could be visible in the bi-state Monday after dark! It looks like the elements are setting up positively. ♬ original sound - KSDK 5 On Your Side We will continue to monitor the trends from the Space Weather Prediction Center as we move through the evening. Chief Meteorologist Scott Connell recommends the following best practices for northern lights viewing in Missouri and Illinois: