The Met Office has issued a red alert for an extreme geomagnetic storm this Wednesday, November 12, 2025. The forecast points to intense displays of aurora borealis visible across much of the UK during the evening and early hours of Thursday. The phenomenon results from multiple coronal mass ejections from the Sun, which interact with the Earth’s magnetic field.
Experts from the meteorological service highlight that the event reaches level G5 on the geomagnetic storm scale, the highest possible. This intensity allows the aurora to extend south, reaching regions such as England and Wales, beyond the usual north. Visibility depends on clear skies, although clouds may limit observations in some areas.
Recent records confirm nighttime sightings in parts of the country, with oval red-hued aurora maps indicating a high probability. The peak of solar activity occurs in the 11-year cycle, increasing the frequency of these events in 2025.
Solar origin drives nighttime spectacle
Coronal mass ejections, released by the Sun on November 9, 10 and 11, travel at speeds of millions of kilometers per hour. These charged particles collide with the Earth’s atmosphere, generating the colorful lights of the aurora. The Met Office has been monitoring the phenomenon since Sunday, with X-class solar flares contributing to the storm’s strength.
The arrival of a third CME expected this afternoon intensifies conditions. Records from the British Geological Survey show induced geoelectric fields as the largest since 2012 in the UK. This magnetic interaction expands the auroral oval, making the display accessible to more locations.
Regions with the highest chance of viewing
The north of Scotland presents ideal conditions for direct observations. Elevated, north-facing coastal areas make the lights easier to spot.
North of England and Northern Ireland remain with a good probability, as long as there are no cloud obstructions. Cameras can capture subtle tones even in places with moderate light pollution.
Central England and Wales offer possible glimpses during peak intensity. Observers should prioritize times after dark, between 9pm and midnight.
Climatic factors influence observation
Dense clouds cover much of the south and center of the country tonight. Forecasts indicate clear gaps in eastern England in the early morning.
In the north, cold winds keep skies partially open, favoring prolonged sightings. Temperatures drop to around 5°C in Scottish regions, requiring preparation for outdoor observation.
Isolated showers in Wales may disperse temporarily, but the solar event persists regardless of local weather. Aurora forecast apps help you track real-time updates.
The British Geological Survey records Kp of 9, confirming the G5 scale locally reached the previous morning. This global metric measures magnetic disturbances, with values above 8 indicating severe storms. In the current solar cycle, peaks like this occur a few times per decade, raising scientific and public interest.
Practical tips for capturing the phenomenon
To maximize your chances, choose locations with low light pollution, such as national parks or remote coastlines. Avoid central urban areas, where artificial lights mask the initial green and red tones.
Simple equipment is enough: dark-adapted eyes reveal the aurora after 20 minutes of waiting. Smartphones with night mode record details invisible to the naked eye, magnifying vibrant colors.
Monitor Met Office maps for auroral ovals in real time. Elevated positions, above 200 meters, reduce interferenceatmospheric conditions and improve the view of the northern horizon.
- Check apps like AuroraWatch UK for instant red alerts.
- Head to spots like the Scottish Highlands or peaks of the Pennines.
- Record times between 10pm and 2am for peak geomagnetic activity.
- Use tripods for long exposure shots, capturing layers of solar plasma.
Potential effects of geomagnetic activity
Communications systems face moderate risks during the G5. GPS networks may present temporary deviations in air and sea navigation.
Electricity networks monitor induced currents, which have affected grids in past events such as May 2024. Operators in the United Kingdom activate preventive protocols to mitigate outages.
Satellites record orbital fluctuations, but impacts on terrestrial users remain limited. Space authorities from NOAA and ESA are following the event globally.
The storm persists until Friday, with a gradual decline after noon on Thursday. Observers in the southern hemisphere, such as New Zealand, report similar displays at equivalent latitudes.
