The UK could see a dazzling Northern Lights display as we head into the weekend and people are being urged to “keep an eye out”.
It comes as spring has officially arrived today, with March 20 marking the equinox, which is one of the best chances of the year to see the Aurora Borealis (March/April).
They are most visible in Scotland, northern England, North Wales, and Northern Ireland, but during intense solar storms, the lights can be seen much further south.
However, over the next few nights, the Met Office has said that sightings of the Northern Lights are “most likely” across Scotland but also “perhaps” into northern England too.
Timelapse of the Northern Lights
In a post on X, the forecaster shared on Thursday evening (March 19): “Keep an eye out as there is a chance of seeing the northern lights over the next couple of nights.
“Sightings are most likely across Scotland where skies are clear but perhaps into northern England too.”
How to view the Northern Lights in the UK
Of course, skies must be clear to see the green, red and pink hues (purple and blue tones can appear too), so make sure you check your local weather forecast.
Other top tips when it comes to seeing the Auroras, according to the Met Office, are:
- Find dark, clear skies - light pollution and cloud cover can obscure the view, so head to remote areas and look north
- Best locations - north-facing coasts and rural spots offer the best vantage points
The Northern Lights have been appearing in the UK more frequently over the last few years.
Keep an eye out as there is a chance of seeing the northern lights over the next couple of nights 🎇
Sightings are most likely across Scotland where skies are clear but perhaps into northern England too 🌜 pic.twitter.com/SWfA2LWkJL— Met Office (@metoffice) March 19, 2026
One of the biggest Aurora shows was in late January this year, after there was a large solar eruption on the Sun, known as a coronal mass ejection.
Earth was hit by multiple strong solar storms registering four on a scale of one to five.
Is 2026 a good year for the Northern Lights in the UK?
BBC Weather explained: “Over the past couple of years, the Sun has been in a heightened state of activity as part of its natural cycle.”
But although the peak of this cycle was observed late 2024, across the UK we can still expect more major solar events throughout 2026.
The weather experts continued: “The Sun has an 11-year cycle, ranging from periods with few sunspots and low activity, to times with many sunspots that produce increased activity and energy.
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“During the peak of the current cycle, which Nasa confirmed occurred in October 2024, a higher number of sunspots led to more frequent eruptions of solar flares and coronal mass ejections.”
What causes the Northern Lights?
As mentioned above, the phenomenon is triggered by solar activity.
This is when the Sun emits charged particles known as solar wind, which travel at around one million miles per hour.
The Met Office adds: “When these particles interact with Earth’s magnetic field—especially when the solar wind’s polarity is opposite to Earth’s—they are funneled toward the magnetic poles.
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“As these energetic particles collide with gases in the upper atmosphere, they release energy in the form of light.
“Oxygen produces green and, at higher altitudes, rare red auroras, while nitrogen creates blue and purple hues.”
Have you ever seen the Northern Lights in the UK? Let us know in the comments below.
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