Empire State Review Team The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has issued a G4 (Severe) Geomagnetic Storm Watch for Monday, June 2, 2025, following a significant coronal mass ejection (CME) from the sun on May 30. This solar event is anticipated to reach Earth by Sunday, June 1, potentially escalating geomagnetic disturbances from G3 (Strong) to G4 (Severe) levels. There is also a possibility of G5 (Extreme) conditions during the storm’s peak between June 1 and 2.
The CME, a massive burst of solar plasma and magnetic fields, originated from sunspot region AR4100. Traveling at speeds exceeding 1,900 kilometers per second, the ejected material is expected to interact with Earth’s magnetic field, potentially causing widespread geomagnetic disturbances.
NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC) reported that the strongest geomagnetic conditions are anticipated between 8 p.m. and 11 p.m. EDT on Sunday, June 1. However, the exact timing and intensity remain uncertain and will only be confirmed once the CME reaches solar wind monitoring spacecraft approximately 1 million miles from Earth.
One of the most visible effects of such geomagnetic storms is the aurora borealis, or northern lights. This event could lead to auroras being visible much farther south than usual, potentially reaching as far as Alabama and Northern California. Residents in the Pacific Northwest, Midwest, Northern California, and parts of the Mid-Atlantic and Ohio Valley may have prime viewing opportunities, provided skies are clear.
To maximize the chances of witnessing the aurora, experts recommend heading away from city lights and looking north between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. local time. While full moons can hinder visibility, the current moon phase is not expected to be an issue. Even if the aurora is not visible to the naked eye, smartphone cameras might capture it.
Beyond the visual spectacle, severe geomagnetic storms can have tangible impacts on technology and infrastructure. Potential effects include disruptions to satellite operations, communication systems, and power grids. Airlines, especially those operating polar routes, may need to reroute flights to avoid communication blackouts. Additionally, GPS systems and radio communications could experience intermittent issues.
NASA describes such solar events as the sun “burping” out massive bubbles of charged gas. When these particles interact with Earth’s magnetic field, they can cause atmospheric light displays and technological disturbances.
As the situation develops, NOAA advises the public and relevant industries to stay informed through official channels. Real-time updates and forecasts are available on the SWPC website, ensuring timely information on the storm’s progression and potential impacts.
