Aurora australis could shine over SA tonight after record cold morning

South Australians woke to a frosty morning — but the night sky could deliver a dazzling surprise tonight, forecasters are tipping.

South Australians shivered through one of the coldest November mornings on record — but the skies could light up tonight with a spectacular aurora display. Picture: Paul Albers

South Australians shivered through one of the coldest November mornings on record — but the skies could light up tonight with a spectacular aurora display.

Adelaide dipped to 6.3C early Wednesday morning, while regional centres saw temperatures plunge below zero, with Keith recording -0.9C at 5.40am.

Clare hit just 0.4C, Nuriootpa dropped to 1.1C and Loxton reached a chilly 1.5C just after sunrise.

Bureau of Meteorology senior forecaster Mark Analak said clear skies had helped produce “very cold overnight temperatures,” with many regional centres likely setting new records for November starts.

But those clear conditions could now set the scene for something extraordinary — the aurora australis.

The Bureau’s Space Weather Centre has issued an aurora watch, with a severe solar storm expected to hit Earth tonight. Picture: Heather Bildstein

The Bureau’s Space Weather Centre has issued an aurora watch, with a severe solar storm expected to hit Earth tonight, giving South Australians a strong chance to glimpse the southern lights.

The powerful geomagnetic storm, forecast to peak at G4 level, could make the aurora visible far beyond its usual southernmost viewing spots — potentially across much of SA if skies stay clear.

To catch a glimpse, South Australians are advised to find a dark spot away from city lights with an unobstructed view to the south.

The Fleurieu Peninsula, Adelaide Hills and Yorke Peninsula often provide good vantage points on clear nights.

While tonight is expected to stay clear and mild — with a sunny day ahead and a top of 24C in Adelaide — the weather is set to shift later in the week.

Showers and possible storms are forecast to roll into the metro area from Thursday, with a wet weekend tipped and up to 10mm of rain possible by Sunday.

For now, though, the conditions are perfect for a rare light show. So rug up, grab your camera, and look south — the heavens may just put on their most colourful performance of the year.

Adelaide weather for the next six days:

Thursday, November 13: Mostly cloudy. Possible shower. N/E’ly winds Min - 14. Max - 23.

Friday, November 14: Partly cloudy. Possible shower. NE winds tending SW Min - 13. Max - 24.

Saturday, November 15: Mostly sunny. NE winds tending W’ly Min - 12. Max - 22.

Sunday, November 16: Partly cloudy. Showers. Fresh W’ly winds Min - 13. Max - 20.

Monday, November 17: Mostly cloudy. Showers. Fresh SW winds Min - 13. Max - 20.

Tuesday, November 18: Mostly cloudy. Clearing shower. W’ly winds Min - 13. Max - 22.

Originally published as Aurora australis could shine over SA tonight after record cold morning