Met Office issues update on chance of seeing Northern Lights on Saturday night

The Met Office has issued a new update for those hoping to catch a glimpse of tonight's Northern Lights display. On Friday night (May 10), Greater Manchester was treated to dazzling auroras in the skies across the region.

Due to a severe geomagnetic storm, the Northern Lights were visible across the UK and other European countries in which you wouldn’t typically see the phenomenon.

Now experts have said another viewing of the Northern Lights in the UK tonight is extremely possible although it may not be as spectacular as last night.

READ MORE: Northern Lights 'red alert' issued and the best time to see them in Greater Manchester tonight

In an update on social media platform X, the national weather and climate service said: "Apart from a few showers, it will be a fine and dry evening for much of the UK with plenty of late sunshine

"Once the sun sets the Northern Lights are likely to become visible once again, especially across northern parts, but even further south may see the Aurora at times.

"Although geomagnetic activity is not expected to be as strong tonight, there’s still a good chance of aurora sightings, especially across the northern half of the UK. There could be some visibility further south, especially with long-exposure cameras."

Experts have advised staying away from light polluted areas and using a good camera to improve your chances of seeing the auroras. Meteorologists have also said the best time to see the lights won't be until it's completely dark at about 11pm.

Although temperatures may reach 27°C for some this weekend, the Met Office have issued two yellow thunderstorm warnings for Sunday. They cover a large part of England and Wales from 12 noon until 10pm.

Deputy Chief Meteorologist Dan Harris said: “Heavy showers and thunderstorms are likely to break out on Sunday morning, most likely across southwest England and Wales, but possibly also across western Northern Ireland too. They’ll track steadily north through the afternoon whilst probably growing into larger clumps of rain before clearing Scotland overnight.

“Some intense downpours are possible in a few places, giving up to 30mm in less than hour and perhaps 40-50mm over two to three hours. Hail, frequent lightning strikes and strong wind gusts will be additional localised hazards.”