A coronal mass ejection is expected to reach Earth late tonight or during Tuesday morning
20:24, 19 Jan 2026Updated 21:08, 19 Jan 2026
The Northern Lights could be seen in the UK this week(Image: Steven Robinson Pictures via Getty Images)
The Northern Lights may be visible across parts of the UK today (Monday) and tomorrow – if you’re up in the small hours. According to the Met Office, the clearest skies are expected at approximately 4am.
The Met Office has reported that a significant solar flare is heading towards Earth, with charged particles expected to light up the night sky in what could be a breathtaking display. The solar flare, known as a coronal mass ejection (CME), could bring the Aurora Borealis to northern areas of Britain, and it might even be seen further south.
The Met Office stated: “The arrival time of the CME is uncertain, but aurora sightings are possible in northern Britain and perhaps in southern areas depending on cloud cover.”
A rapid coronal mass ejection – a large release of charged material from the Sun – left yesterday and is expected to reach Earth either overnight on Monday or during Tuesday morning, according to The Mirror.
Which parts of the UK might see the Northern Lights this week?, reports Birmingham Live.
Which areas of the UK might witness the Northern Lights this week?
This event could bring the Northern Lights to UK skies, particularly over Scotland, Northern Ireland, northern England, and possibly even further south, although visibility will depend on when it arrives and weather conditions.
Krista Hammond, Met Office Space Weather Manager, remarked: “There is still some uncertainty around the exact timing of the CME’s arrival, but it is expected overnight tonight or tomorrow morning. The CME is likely to result in geomagnetic storming, giving the potential to view the aurora.
“However, sightings are dependent on the CME arriving during hours of darkness and clear skies. Unfortunately, cloud and rain on Tuesday evening may make viewing difficult, even if the timing is favourable.”
Brits could be in for a spectacular show(Image: X/@metoffice)
Weather charts currently show significant cloud coverage across the UK overnight on Monday and into Tuesday morning, reducing the chances of seeing the Northern Lights.
The Met Office’s space weather forecast states: “A Coronal Mass Ejection (CME) which left the Sun on 18 Jan is expected to arrive either late on 19 Jan or early on 20 Jan (UTC). G2-G3/Moderate-Strong storms are likely with a chance of G4/Severe Storm intervals.
“This is likely to bring aurora across Scotland, Northern Ireland, northern England, and potentially further south, though visibility will depend on the timing of its arrival and cloud cover.”
According to the Met Office, the clearest skies are expected at approximately 4am in the early hours of Tuesday morning, providing the best opportunity to witness the spectacular phenomenon.
The Met Office advises that to view the aurora, individuals should find a dark location away from light pollution, face towards the northern horizon and choose a time when cloud coverage is at its least.