Iowans may get treated to the northern lights this week.

A geomagnetic storm is expected to begin on Tuesday, April 15, and last until Thursday, April 17, according to NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center.

The incoming solar storm may allow the northern lights to be visible across the Midwest, including Iowa.

When are the northern lights expected to be visible in Iowa?

The SWPC’s aurora borealis forecast indicates the lights could be seen across the northern and central parts of the state Tuesday evening.

The aurora will retreat on Wednesday and will likely only be seen in the northernmost points of the state.

What is the cloud forecast for the northern lights?

Tuesday will be quite the night to view the northern lights, as it will be clear skies for most of the state.

By 10 p.m., much of the state will have 0-5% cloud cover, a trend which will continue into the early hours of Wednesday, April 16. The Storm Lake area is the only part of the state forecasted to see cloud cover in the double digits.

How to view the aurora borealis in Iowa

During times of high geomagnetic activity, which pushes the northern lights further south, the aurora will be visible directly overhead in the northern United States, according to the prediction center.

For the best viewing, the center recommends that it be very dark. Get away from city lights and avoid trying to see them on the night of a full moon. The best time to view the aurora is usually within an hour or two of midnight, or 10 p.m. to 2 a.m.

The likelihood of observing the aurora increases as you travel farther north in the state.

Cooper Worth is a service/trending reporter for the Des Moines Register. Reach him at [email protected] or follow him on X @CooperAWorth.