Latest news with #IanLeonard
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Climate
- Yahoo
Northern Lights in MN: Wildfire smoke could make the aurora difficult to see
The Brief There is a potential for vibrant Northern Lights Sunday night that could be visible for much of the northern United States. Haze from wildfire smoke might make the aurora more difficult to see in Minnesota. The best times to view the aurora are generally around the midnight hour. (FOX 9) - The Northern Lights are expected to be visible Sunday night, but haze from wildfire smoke might spoil the show for Minnesota. What we know The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is forecasting a severe (G4) level geomagnetic storm on Sunday evening. Geomagnetic storms are what fuel the aurora and a G4 is the second-strongest level of storm. The NOAA forecast shows the aurora could be visible as far south as central Iowa. What's next Typically, the best times to view the aurora are around the midnight hour. It appears that's about the time the storm will be at its strongest in the overnight hours. The other side Unfortunately for Minnesota, smoke from wildfires burning in Canada has made skies hazy across the state, and particularly in areas to the north. While it might not be impossible to see the aurora, FOX 9 meteorologist Ian Leonard compares it to a foggy morning. He says it is worth taking a look in your area, to see if you can spot anything, but it's probably not worth traveling a far distance to seek out the aurora. Much of Minnesota is under an unhealthy air quality alert due to smoke. What you can do The NOAA recommends the following tips for the best chance to see the Northern Lights. It's generally better to go north (but with the smoke, that might not be the case tonight). Go to areas with less light pollution. You can use this map to find the best spots near you. Spring and fall are often the best times to see the aurora, because "the subtleties in the way the solar wind interacts with Earth's magnetosphere" can create larger geomagnetic storms.
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Twin Cities see first 90-degree day, breaks temp record on Mother's Day
The Brief The Twin Cities broke a daily temperature record on Mother's Day. Temperatures reached 90 degrees on Sunday for the first time this year. The previous record of 88 was set in 1900. MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) - The Twin Cities set a daily record on Sunday as temps pushed into the 90s for Mother's Day. What we know The temperature at the Minnesota-St. Paul International Airport reached 90 degrees on Sunday afternoon, breaking the previous record of 88 set in 1900. It's also made for the first 90 degree day of the year. What's next There could be more 90-degree days moving forward this week. Ian Leonard's seven-day forecast has us hitting 90 again on Monday and almost getting there again on Tuesday with a high of 89. The other side While the sunny, warm weather made for a wonderful Mother's Day, there is a Red Flag warning in effect for most of the state. The warning means conditions are right for wildfires that can spread easily. The warning covers 77 counties, including the Twin Cities metro and areas to the north and west. Only a section of southeastern Minnesota is outside the Red Flag warning.
Yahoo
17-04-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
April severe weather: What to expect with Thursday's storms
The Brief The Twin Cities and southern Minnesota are at risk for severe thunderstorms Thursday night. Storms are expected from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. The biggest threats are large hail and strong winds. MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) - It may only be the middle of April, but it's that time of year where we need to start staying sky aware. We could get our first taste of spring severe weather Thursday night. What we know FOX 9 Meteorologist Ian Leonard says our Thursday will start dry, but things change as we head into the early evening. Storms will enter southern Minnesota and the Twin Cities around the dinner hour, and there's a decent chance of "rumbling rainers" throughout the night into midnight. Southern Minnesota around the Interstate 90 corridor is under a Slight Risk (Level 2) for severe weather. The Twin Cities from Interstate 94 and south are under a Marginal Risk (Level 1). The greatest threat with Thursday's storms is large hail and strong winds. Timeline The greatest chance for storms Thursday is between 6 p.m. and 11 p.m. Dry weekend ahead After the storms pass, we cool off with sun and a high in the low 50s on Friday. The weekend, including Easter Sunday, appears to include sun with highs in the upper 50s. Get the latest on Thursday's storms on the FOX 9 Morning News with Cody Matz and Keith Marler.
Yahoo
16-02-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
MN Gov. Tim Walz takes the Polar Plunge
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz took the Polar Plunge to support Special Olympics Minnesota. FOX 9's Ian Leonard joined him in Prior Lake.
