CHICAGO — Chicagoans may see aurora, also known as the Northern Lights, due to a geomagnetic storm this week, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The phenomenon comes as even more frigid temperatures and snowfall hit the area.
A geomagnetic storm watch, a result of a coronal mass ejection, has been issued for Tuesday, according to the NOAA. A CME is an eruption of solar matter and magnetic fields and is projected to enter the Earth’s atmosphere early to midday Tuesday, making the aurora visible to many northern states.
To attempt to see the aurora, make sure to have an unobstructed view of the sky, away from city lights, according to NOAA.
A full-halo coronal mass ejection (CME), associated with an M8.1 flare from Region 4299 at 20:39 UTC on 06 December, is expected to impact Earth early to midday on 09 December, potentially causing periods of G3 (Strong) geomagnetic storming. pic.twitter.com/L2qCfEWmRW
— NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center (@NWSSWPC) December 7, 2025
Along with the geomagnetic storm, the Chicago area is projected to turn “sharply” colder for the latter half of the week, per the National Weather Service.
Lake effect clouds made for a chilly start to the work week with a high of 26 degrees Monday with a 20 percent chance of snow after midnight.
After the temperature slightly warms up Tuesday and Wednesday, with respective highs of 38 and 37 degrees, a low pressure system will cool things back down Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
Credit: Facebook
Thursday is projected to see a 30 percent chance of snow with a high of 27 degrees. Friday and Saturday will be even colder, with highs of 24 and 13 degrees, respectively, and strong winds.
Chicago Warming Centers
People who need a safe space to warm up can go to a city warming center, which open when temperatures are at 32 degrees or below. They’re open 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
The locations:
- Englewood Center, 1140 W. 79th St.
- North Area Center, 845 W. Wilson Ave.
- Garfield Center, 10 S. Kedzie Ave.: This center is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to connect people to emergency shelter.
- South Chicago Center, 8650 S. Commercial Ave.
- King Center, 4314 S. Cottage Grove Ave.
- Trina Davila Center, 4312 W. North Ave.
You can call 311 to find the warming center nearest to you. Older people can also go to one of the city’s 21 senior centers. Information about the senior centers is available online.
Find more tips on how to stay warm and safe this winter here.
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