Surprise geomagnetic storm arrives early as NOAA warns more solar impacts are on their way

two panel image showing the cme that left the sun on Nov 5 that is currently heading for Earth and on the right is a vivid northern lights display. — The CME that left the sun on Nov. 5 could trigger more auroras tonight. (Image credit: Left: NOAA SWPC, right: Daisy Dobrijevic)

A geomagnetic storm surprised forecasters overnight as material from recent solar eruptions arrived earlier than expected, briefly reaching strong (G3) levels. Now, NOAA has a G3 geomagnetic storm watch in effect as Earth braces for further impacts from multiple coronal mass ejections (CMEs) launched in quick succession from sunspot region AR4274.

gif animation of the sun, with a large CME billowing into space like a large white cloud. — The CME that left the sun on Nov. 5 could trigger more auroras tonight. (Image credit: NOAA)

But more solar storms are still on the way, saving the biggest until last. The M7.4 solar flare that erupted on Nov. 5 also released a CME traveling between 1,100 and 1,400 km/s (around 2.5–3.1 million mph) and is expected to reach Earth later on Nov. 6 or early Nov. 7 (UTC), according to NOAA's SWPC. This incoming CME, combined with a fast solar wind stream from a nearby coronal hole, could trigger another round of strong geomagnetic storming over the next 24 to 48 hours.

What does this mean?

A strong (G3) geomagnetic storm indicates that Earth's magnetic field is heavily disturbed by solar activity. These storms can cause intermittent satellite navigation issues and high-frequency radio disruptions, as well as voltage corrections in power systems, particularly at high latitudes.

graphic of the g3 watch issued by NOAA for Nov 6 through Nov 7. — NOAA's G3 storm watch from Nov. 6 through Nov. 7. (Image credit: NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center)

Strong geomagnetic storms can also spark bright, dynamic auroras, sometimes much farther into mid-latitudes than normal. If you're located in Canada, northern Europe and the northern U.S., make sure you keep your eyes on the skies tonight, as we could be in for a treat.

Space weather physicist Tamitha Skov described the current forecast as "an aurora photographer's dream starting now and lasting at least through the weekend," adding that G3 to G4 storm levels are possible by Friday as multiple CMEs interact with Earth's magnetic field.

A whole train of big #solarstorms are on their way, along with some smaller storms hitting now, and some fast solar wind! It is an #aurora photographers dream starting now and lasting at least through the weekend. Right now, the biggest of the storms should hit late Thursday or… pic.twitter.com/OL50yH72y7November 5, 2025

Sunspot region AR4274 remains large and magnetically complex and is continuing to rotate to face Earth, which means more solar fireworks could follow in the coming days.

Daisy Dobrijevic joined Space.com in February 2022, having previously worked as a staff writer for All About Space magazine. She completed an editorial internship with BBC Sky at Night Magazine and worked at the National Space Centre, communicating space science to the public.

Daisy holds a PhD in plant physiology and a Master's in Environmental Science. Based in Nottingham, U.K., she covers all things space, with a special focus on solar activity and space weather. She also has a keen interest in astrotourism and is always on the lookout for the next northern lights adventure.

She will be a guest speaker aboard HX's Solar Eclipse Expedition in August 2026 and will join Hurtigruten as an onboard astronomer for a northern lights sailing in January 2027.