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Northern lights may be visible in Maine this weekend if clouds clear

A G3 storm is giving us an enhanced chance to see the aurora borealis, but cloud cover has the final say.

MAINE, USA — Space Weather Prediction Center forecasters have issued a G3 Geomagnetic Storm Watch for this weekend due to a pair of coronal mass ejections that are anticipated to arrive over the next few days. 

Maine is included in the possible "view line" on both days. 

Here is the official forecast for Friday night:

Credit: NCM

Although the view line cuts across Maine, I think cloud cover is going to be a big issue. There's a cold front approaching that should have most, if not all, of the state clouded up by midnight. Then showers to follow. In my opinion, this makes Friday night a no-go for aurora borealis viewing here in Maine.

Credit: NCM

The aurora forecast improves on Saturday night:

Credit: NCM

Luckily, I also think our cloud cover forecast is better on Saturday night.

Credit: NCM

As you can see, however, northern Maine might have a little trouble still. It's close, though, so if you're north of Bangor I'd put Saturday night in the "maybe" category. South of there, I think there's a pretty good chance to see the aurora on Saturday night.

-Keith

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