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Metro Detroit could see Northern Lights ahead of warmup

Highs returning to 50s in Metro Detroit

Highs will be around 50 degrees in Metro Detroit on Thursday, which is normal. (WDIV)

Mostly clear skies and cold temperatures are settling in across Metro Detroit, and it is setting the stage for chances to see the Northern Lights.

The geomagnetic storm is strong enough for visibility across Southeast Michigan, but viewing will be better away from areas with lots of ground lights.

Laura O. submitted a photo of northern lights captured over Adrian on Nov. 11, 2025. (WDIV)

Best viewing tips:

  • Find a dark location away from city lights. Areas north of Metro Detroit and toward the Thumb offer the best visibility.
  • Look toward the northern horizon. The aurora may appear as green or reddish glows, or faint pillars.
  • Give your eyes 15–20 minutes to adjust to the darkness
  • Try looking through your camera phone.

The mostly clear skies tonight give Metro Detroit and surrounding communities a better-than-usual opportunity to catch the display.

Overnight lows fall to around 30 degrees across Metro Detroit. Winds remain from the west at 5 to 10 mph, with gusts near 20 mph.

Thursday: Sunny and Seasonable

Thursday will bring seasonable weather. Highs will be around 50 degrees in Metro Detroit. The Thumb stays cooler, generally in the mid-40s. Winds will be 6 to 12 mph from the west.

Although the afternoon will be breezy at times, the day stays dry.

Highs will be around 50 degrees in Metro Detroit on Thursday, which is normal. (WDIV)

7-Day Trend: Mild stretch, weekend rain

Friday brings a welcome warmup under mostly sunny skies. Plan for highs in the lower- to mid-50s, with temperatures warmest south of I-94.

Saturday brings the mildest readings of the stretch, climbing to around 60 degrees in Detroit, while the Thumb holds closer to the mid-50s. Rain arrives late Saturday into early Sunday, followed by a cooler finish to the weekend.

Sunday’s highs will fall back into the mid-40s to upper-40s, with Metro Detroit on the warmer end and the Thumb on the cooler side.

Early next week will be near normal to slightly below normal, with highs ranging from the mid- to upper-40s.

See photos of the northern lights or share your own at MIPics.


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