I'm always hesitant to share forecasts for the northern lights being visible over our area, because it rarely happens. However, based on a new forecast, it appears there is a very good chance you'll be able to see the aurora borealis over northern parts of Missouri and over half of Illinois late Wednesday night into Thursday morning.

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NOTE: these solar storms are very hard to predict. This is the best forecast space weather experts can provide.

One of the world's most reliable forecast centers for the northern lights is the University of Alaska for a very good reason. They're a prime location for the aurora borealis appearing regularly. Check out this new map they just shared showing how far south they expect the northern lights to be visible late Wednesday night into early Thursday morning. NOTE: the green band is the expected area where the aurora borealis will be visible)

University of Alaska
University of Alaska
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That puts northeast Missouri and west-central Illinois right on the edge of where our sky may get spectacular. Heads up that this is likely to be in its prime between 10p and 1a Wednesday night, August 17 into the early morning of August 18.

I'm not alone in believing this will be a night to keep an eye on the skies in Missouri and Illinois. The Kansas City Star also mentioned the possibility.

Make sure to check back often to the University of Alaska aurora borealis forecast page to get updates on what could be an epic night sky over Missouri, Illinois and Iowa.

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