Residents and visitors in Helsinki can anticipate a mix of sun, clouds, and light rain over the next few days as early June unfolds with typical Nordic variability.

Sunday, June 8:

The day will be partly sunny and breezy, with a high around 19°C (67°F) and a low near 8°C (46°F). Winds from the south to southwest may bring strong gusts up to 15 m/s, prompting a Yellow Warning for Wind in effect until 9:00 PM EEST, as issued by the Finnish Meteorological Institute.

Monday, June 9:

Expect cloudy skies with a couple of showers in the afternoon. The temperature will peak at 17°C (63°F) and dip to 10°C (50°F) overnight. Light rain is anticipated, so carrying an umbrella is advisable.

Tuesday, June 10:

The morning will start with sun and areas of high clouds, transitioning to mostly cloudy conditions in the afternoon. Temperatures will reach a high of 19°C (66°F) and a low of 9°C (48°F). No significant precipitation is expected.

Overall, Helsinki’s weather from June 8 to 10 will feature mild temperatures, intermittent sunshine, and occasional showers. Residents should stay informed about wind advisories and plan accordingly for outdoor activities.

Brisbane residents awoke to the chilliest morning of the year on Thursday, with temperatures dipping to 9°C, marking the city’s coldest start to a day in 2025. This cold snap heralds the onset of the winter dry season in South East Queensland, following an autumn that was notably wetter than average.

The Bureau of Meteorology attributes the sudden drop in temperatures to a high-pressure system moving across New South Wales and Victoria, drawing cold air into southern and central Queensland. This system has caused temperatures to plunge to near-freezing levels in several regions.

In the Darling Downs and Granite Belt areas, towns like Oakey and Dalby recorded temperatures around 0°C, with apparent temperatures—factoring in wind chill—falling below freezing. Brisbane itself saw minimum temperatures between 9–11°C, with forecasts predicting continued single-digit lows in the coming days.

Despite the frosty mornings, the days are expected to be clear and sunny, offering some respite from the cold. However, meteorologists warn that another cold front is anticipated early next week, potentially bringing even colder conditions and the rare possibility of snow flurries in high-altitude areas near the Queensland-New South Wales border.

The Bureau of Meteorology’s climatologist, Felicity Gamble, noted that the recent wet conditions are giving way to the drier weather typical of Queensland’s winter. “It has been quite a wet May for South East Queensland, and, in fact, when you look at the autumn period as a whole, much of South East Queensland was substantially wetter than average,” Gamble said.

As the dry season sets in, residents are advised to prepare for continued cold mornings and to stay informed about weather updates, especially with the potential for further cold fronts in the near future.

Tonight might just be one for the books. According to a fresh update from NOAA‘s Space Weather Prediction Center, parts of the United States could be treated to a breathtaking display of the aurora borealis—better known as the northern lights. A geomagnetic disturbance triggered by a recent solar flare and dual coronal mass ejections is expected to push the auroral oval deep into North America, making it possible for 13 states to witness the celestial show.

The Kp index, which measures geomagnetic activity on a scale from 0 to 9, is projected to reach 4.67, with an outside chance of hitting G3-level storms. While Monday night witnessed some of the most intense solar activity in recent times, forecasters say tonight—Tuesday, June 4th—still holds strong potential, albeit with slightly reduced intensity. Space weather experts, including those from the U.K. Met Office, speculate that minor to moderate activity could still push the lights into view for millions across the northern United States.

Where Will the Northern Lights Be Visible Tonight?
If you’re lucky enough to live in Alaska, Minnesota, North Dakota, Montana, Wisconsin, or the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, you’re in prime territory. Other states like South Dakota, Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Idaho, Washington, and Oregon are also listed as likely candidates for visibility, depending on how strong the geomagnetic activity turns out to be.

On Monday, the view line extended unusually far south—as low as southern Nebraska and northern Missouri, with even states like Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, and Massachusetts catching glimpses. While tonight’s projection isn’t expected to dip quite as low, experts advise remaining alert, as auroras are notoriously unpredictable.

Best Time and Tips for Viewing the Aurora
The ideal window for viewing is between 10 PM and 2 AM local time, when the skies are darkest. For the clearest sightlines, head to elevated locations away from city lights and look north. Apps like “My Aurora Forecast & Alerts” and “Space Weather Live” can provide real-time updates based on your GPS location.

Capturing the Magic
To photograph the northern lights, NASA recommends night mode, long exposure, and using a tripod for your smartphone. DSLR users should opt for a wide-angle lens, a low F-stop (≤ f/4), and a steady mount. Even if your eyes can’t catch the full detail, your camera lens might surprise you.

Why Now? A Surge in Solar Activity
This year marks a significant moment in the sun’s 11-year solar cycle, known as the solar maximum, which began ramping up in 2024 and is expected to peak through early 2026. These solar flares and ejections release charged particles that interact with Earth’s magnetic field, sparking auroras. With this heightened solar activity, these luminous shows may become more frequent and more visible across the United States in the coming months.

So whether you’re a seasoned skywatcher or a curious first-timer, tonight could be your golden opportunity to experience the awe-inspiring phenomenon that many travel halfway across the world to witness. Don’t miss it—look up, and let the sky surprise you.