Washington, D.C

Northern lights forecast for DC, MD, VA: Will we see the aurora again Saturday?

Published

2 years ago

May 11, 2024

Press Room

Northern lights forecast for DC, MD, VA: Will we see the aurora again Saturday?

Virginia sees rare glimpse of Northern Lights

The aurora borealis was visible from higher elevation in parts of Virginia Thursday night.

WASHINGTON – The northern lights are visible to millions in the U.S. this weekend – including some near the Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia regions.

Several individuals across the region said they witnessed purple and green skies early Saturday morning.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration issued a rare Severe (G4) Geomagnetic Storm Watch beginning Friday and lasting all weekend. It was later upgraded to an Extreme (G5) Geomagnetic Storm as it reached Earth. The watch was the first of its kind issued in nearly 20 years.

The effects of the storm were expected to possibly disrupt power stations, electrical lines, state spacecraft operations and various areas of communication. It poses a risk for high-voltage transmission lines for power grids. So far, according to the Associated Press, there have been no immediate reports of disruptions to power and communications.

Could we see the aurora again Saturday?:

Northern lights aurora borealis forecast for DC, MD & VA for tonight and tomorrow night; G4 Severe Geomagnetic Storm Watch issued (NOAA)

FOX 5’s Gwen Tolbart says as far as seeing the lights in the Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia areas, we are expecting clouds, rain and possibly a rumble of thunder early this evening.

After the clouds and rain clear out, we could have a chance of seeing something, but it would more than likely be early Sunday morning, but all depending on how much clearing we actually get. It seems more likely towards the Pennsylvania and Maryland border, according to NOAA’s forecast for tonight and tomorrow.

The D.C., Maryland and Virginia Metro areas now have 73% – 67% cloud coverage forecast from 11 p.m. to 2 a.m., more than 60% from 3 a.m. – 4 a.m., and an average of 56% to 57% from 5 a.m. to 6 a.m. All of these periods also have the chance of some showers.

NOAA suggests if the skies are clear, use the camera on your cell phone, as the newer cameras are more sensitive and able to capture more than the naked eye.

Northern lights forecast:

According to NOAA, a large sunspot cluster has produced several moderate to strong solar flares since Wednesday. NOAA says the extreme geomagnetic storm continues and will remain in effect through at least Sunday.

There is currently a threat of additional strong flares and CMEs will remain until the large and magnetically complex sunspot cluster rotates out of view, according to NOAA.

FOX 5’s Tucker Barnes says their forecast, in addition to the likelihood of rain and clouds in the area through the weekend, will lower the chances of seeing the northern lights in our region.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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Washington, D.C

San Francisco Ballet cancels upcoming performances at Kennedy Center

Published

11 hours ago

March 1, 2026

Press Room

San Francisco Ballet cancels upcoming performances at Kennedy Center

Sunday, March 1, 2026 6:36AM

SF Ballet cancels upcoming performances at Kennedy Center

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) — The San Francisco Ballet board has voted to cancel its upcoming performances at the Kennedy Center.

The company is scheduled for a four-day run in Washington D.C. in May.

Petition urges SF Ballet to cancel Kennedy Center tour stop as company opens 2026 season

Last year, Pres. Donald Trump overhauled the Kennedy Center’s board, including naming himself the chairman.

That led several artists to cancel scheduled performances.

A statement from SF Ballet says the group “looks forward to performing for Washington, D.C. audiences in the future.”

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Washington, D.C

97-year-old World War II veteran honored virtually at home

Published

23 hours ago

February 28, 2026

Press Room

97-year-old World War II veteran honored virtually at home

At 97, Veteran Harley Wero wasn’t up for a trip to the nation’s capital, so volunteers from the Western North Dakota honor flight brought the trip to him. Wero, his wife Muriel and their daughter Jennifer got to experience Washington, DC, without ever leaving their home.

Web Editor : Sydney Ross

Posted 2026-02-28T15:57:08-0500 – Updated 2026-02-28T15:59:05-0500

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Washington, D.C

DC Public Health to begin daily testing of Potomac, Anacostia rivers for E. coli

Published

1 day ago

February 28, 2026

Press Room

DC Public Health to begin daily testing of Potomac, Anacostia rivers for E. coli

WASHINGTON – Beginning on Monday, the D.C. Department of Health will be conducting daily tests for E. coli in the Potomac and Anacostia rivers.

It comes more than five weeks after the Potomac interceptor collapse sent millions of gallons of sewage into the river.

The testing will also coincide with an important safety advisory being lifted.

Why it matters:

Director of the D.C. Department of Health, Dr. Ayanna Bennett, says they will begin daily testing for E. coli in the Potomac and Anacostia rivers on Monday, along with help from the Environmental Protection Agency.

Currently, D.C. is only testing weekly.

“We feel really secure that the initial sewage is not a threat to people, it’s passed through some time ago, but we do want to get more information about what the long term condition of the river is gonna be and how we should look at it going forward.”

Big picture view:

Monday is also an important day because it’s when the District is expected to lift its advisory that recommends against recreational activities on the Potomac — we’re talking boating, fishing, walking pets by the water.

It’s important to note, however, that D.C.’s advisory pertains to its portion of the Potomac, and it has no bearing on advisories issued by officials in Maryland or Virginia.

Still, this is being treated by many as a hopeful sign.

What they’re saying:

But significant concerns absolutely remain for residents.

“I’ve had tons of messages from people saying they’re not going to let their kids row crew, they’re not going to go to sailing schools. We catch three million tons of blue cats out of the Potomac River. That season starts next week, and they’re not gonna be able to bring those blue cats to market,” said Dean Naujoks with the Potomac Riverkeepers.

“You knew years ago that parts of this Potomac Interceptor were corroded and vulnerable, especially where it broke, in Cabin John, our neighborhood,” one resident said, speaking at a public meeting in Bethesda on Thursday.

“I know there are small business owners here. Who’s accounting for all of our losses that we’re getting due to your sewer blowing up?” another resident asked.

Officials with D.C. Water, which is a public utility, have been running daily tests and will continue to do so as well.

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