It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting Tribune Tower in Chicago, IL gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Chicago, IL is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“Ali Asmi provided us with clear expectations and went above and beyond them to ensure”
“They were an absolute lifesaver! I needed ongoing care for my dad at the last”
“We are very pleased with our care; our overall experience has been fantastic”
“Ali Asmi provided us with clear expectations and went above and beyond them to ensure my Dad's comfort. He cares about his clients and the safety of his employees.”
“They were an absolute lifesaver! I needed ongoing care for my dad at the last minute as he was released from rehab. They were extremely knowledgeable, and quick to respond to our needs. Ali spoke to my dad and took a genuine interest in what he wanted and made him feel at ease throughout the process. Very satisfied and highly recommend. The balance tracking system was a real fun activity for my dad.”
“We are very pleased with our care; our overall experience has been fantastic”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Grant Park in Chicago, IL with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Alinea or visit CharnleyPersky House Museum, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
Request More Information
While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Chicago, IL, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Chicago, IL understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Chicago, IL 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
Chicago, IL – As Winter Weather Preparedness Week continues, the National Weather Service (NWS) Chicago is urging residents across Cook County and the broader northern Illinois region to take precautions when clearing snow, warning that shoveling in cold conditions can pose serious health risks.According to the National Weather Service, heavy, wet snow and sudden exertion in freezing temperatures can increase the risk of back injuries and even heart-related medical emergencies. With early-season winter storms al...
Chicago, IL – As Winter Weather Preparedness Week continues, the National Weather Service (NWS) Chicago is urging residents across Cook County and the broader northern Illinois region to take precautions when clearing snow, warning that shoveling in cold conditions can pose serious health risks.
According to the National Weather Service, heavy, wet snow and sudden exertion in freezing temperatures can increase the risk of back injuries and even heart-related medical emergencies. With early-season winter storms already impacting parts of the Midwest, officials are reminding residents to use caution before stepping outside with a shovel.
The NWS notes that winter-related injuries often rise quickly after the first accumulating snowfall of the season. To reduce risks, the agency recommends dressing warmly—especially the head, hands, and feet—to maintain circulation and reduce strain on the body. Residents are also encouraged to stay hydrated, though officials advise avoiding heavy meals right before or immediately after shoveling, as this can add additional stress to the heart.
Another key piece of guidance is to move only small amounts of snow with each pass of the shovel. Wet snow can be deceptively heavy, and sudden overexertion is a leading cause of winter storm-related medical calls. Frequent breaks are strongly advised, especially for older adults or anyone with a history of heart conditions.
The NWS adds that anyone who begins feeling lightheaded, dizzy, or unusually tired while shoveling should stop immediately and seek warmth and rest.
More winter safety resources can be found at weather.gov/chicago/winterprepare and weather.gov/safety/winter.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.Follow us on Instagram & Facebook for more relevant news stories and SUPPORT LOCAL INDEPENDENT NEWS! Have a tip? Message us!
Illinois — A soft, dry breeze moves along the lakefront before sunrise, brushing across damp leaves and lifting faint curls of mist above warm pavement. The city feels unusually mild for mid-November, a quiet but noticeable contrast to the early-season chill settling across states farther north. The air carries a crisp edge, yet it hints at warm hours ahead—perfectly timed for errands, travel, and pre-holiday weekend plans.Residents should take advantage of this stretch of warmth while it lasts. T...
The city feels unusually mild for mid-November, a quiet but noticeable contrast to the early-season chill settling across states farther north. The air carries a crisp edge, yet it hints at warm hours ahead—perfectly timed for errands, travel, and pre-holiday weekend plans.
Residents should take advantage of this stretch of warmth while it lasts. Temperatures rise sharply today and Saturday, climbing through the 60s and pushing toward the mid-60s again by Sunday. These conditions make leaf work easy and keep early Thanksgiving travel simple across the Chicago metro. To be fair, November rarely holds a warm streak this long, and the pattern is already shifting.
Models hint at an early Winter Tease as a cooler system approaches early next week. No snow is expected in Chicago, but colder air could follow Tuesday’s rain chance. That warm-to-cool transition may bring brief gusty pockets near Lake Michigan and slower evening travel, especially on Route 41 and I-55. Drivers should watch for quick cloud thickening Monday night as moisture builds overhead.
The rest of the week trends cooler but still comfortable, with a mix of clouds and lower 40s settling in by midweek. Another rain chance emerges late Wednesday into Thursday, signaling the start of the broader November cooldown many long-range models highlight before Thanksgiving.
Fri: 65/56 – Sunny; breezy at times.Sat: 65/39 – Clouds early, then brighter; west winds increase.Sun: 49/34 – Sunny but cooler; dry air back in place.Mon: 45/37 – Mostly sunny; clouds building late.Tue: 44/37 – Rain chance; cooler breezes and cloud cover.
While most people know Jeff Daniels from movies like Dumb and Dumber and the hit show The Newsroom, many don’t realize that his talents don’t stop there. You may have seen clips from his recent appearance on The Kelly Clarkson Show where he reduced her to tears as she was shocked to see that this wasn’t another actor with a vanity project. Her reaction couldn’t have been more accurate.There are certainly a number of actors who have tried their hand at performing music...
While most people know Jeff Daniels from movies like Dumb and Dumber and the hit show The Newsroom, many don’t realize that his talents don’t stop there. You may have seen clips from his recent appearance on The Kelly Clarkson Show where he reduced her to tears as she was shocked to see that this wasn’t another actor with a vanity project. Her reaction couldn’t have been more accurate.
There are certainly a number of actors who have tried their hand at performing music, you know the ones we mean – those who certainly should give up their day jobs. This is definitely not the case when it comes to Jeff Daniels. Since his early beginnings in acting, he’s always had his guitar close to hand. His songwriting skills stand shoulder to shoulder with some of the best who call this their day job.
From the very first song, Jeff Daniels made it clear how the evening was going to pan out – with humorous lyrics and intricate guitar work. This tour sees Daniels perform a solo, one-man show, armed only with his trusty guitar, quick wit, and stories of his time in Hollywood. While the lyrics for most of the songs did have Daniels’ own brand of humor laced through them, don’t let your guard down too much. He can go from having you laughing one minute, and then crying the next with his heartfelt and honest words.
Throughout the evening, Daniels would lace the songs together with anecdotes such as the first time he met Clint Eastwood. He has a very honest and introspective view of fame. This led to him talking about his days starting out in the theater and his highs and lows of being a famous actor, which led perfectly into his song “Are You As Excited About Me As I Am?” However, music has always been a huge part of his life. Hearing him perform songs like “When My Fingers Find Your Strings,” an ode to his guitar (and the aforementioned song that brought Kelly Clarkson to tears), his skills on the six-string shine through. While this song had the audience sitting listening, fully engrossed, songs like “Jesus Was A Stoner” and “Fifty Shades” certainly invoked the belly laughs.
Jeff’s witty lyrics and honest reflections may have got the laughs rolling, but one thing that was certainly serious was his talent beyond that which we see on the screen. While seeing a name such as his on a venue’s schedule is always going to have some pull, the true reason these shows sell out as soon as they get announced is the abundance of musical talent on display. This definitely isn’t a vanity project.
These shows don’t come around every day, and he tends to only do a handful of dates at a time, so if you see this one come around, you need to jump on it as they will sell out.
JEFF DANIELS Website
WWE issued the following:WWE returns to United Center in Chicago with Elimination Chamber on Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026November 13, 2025 – WWE, in partnership with Choose Chicago, the city’s official destination marketing organization, today announced that it will return to the United Center in Chicago, the largest indoor arena in the United States, for Elimination Chamber on Saturday, February 28, 2026.This marks the first WWE Premium Live Event to be held at the United Center in more than three decade...
WWE issued the following:
November 13, 2025 – WWE, in partnership with Choose Chicago, the city’s official destination marketing organization, today announced that it will return to the United Center in Chicago, the largest indoor arena in the United States, for Elimination Chamber on Saturday, February 28, 2026.
This marks the first WWE Premium Live Event to be held at the United Center in more than three decades. In August 1994, SummerSlam made history as the first sports event to open the iconic venue. Elimination Chamber 2026 builds on Chicago’s rich history of hosting WWE events, including WrestleMania, Survivor Series, Money In The Bank, Backlash and more.
“Famous for its phenomenally passionate fans, Chicago is a city that WWE Superstars consistently circle on the calendar every year,” said Alex Varga, Co-Head of Revenue, WWE. “We look forward to bringing our first Premium Live Event to the United Center in more than 30 years in partnership with Choose Chicago, whose work continues to solidify the city’s position as a world-class sports and entertainment destination.”
“WWE’s highly anticipated return to the United Center is going to electrify Chicago” said Kristen Reynolds, President and CEO of Choose Chicago. “Major live events like this showcase Chicago as a year-round destination, filling our hotels, restaurants, and arenas with fans from around the country and broadcasting our energy and hospitality to millions more tuning in. Thank you to WWE for choosing Chicago—this is another win for our city and a testament to why no one does big moments better than we do.”
“More than 30 years ago, the United Center opened its doors with a historic SummerSlam event, and we’re thrilled to welcome the return of a WWE Premium Live Event to the arena,” said Joe Myhra, EVP and COO of the United Center. “We look forward to once again showcasing WWE’s incredible talent and bring fans from across the country together for an unforgettable night in Chicago.”
Tickets for Elimination Chamber will go on sale starting Thursday, November 20 at 10am CT via Ticketmaster.com. Fans can purchase tickets during an exclusive presale by visiting Ticketmaster.com starting Wednesday, November 19 at 10am CT until 11:59pm CT. To register to be the first to hear about pre-sale opportunities for Elimination Chamber, please visit: https://www.wwe.com/ec2026.
Additionally, Elimination Chamber Priority Passes will soon be available through exclusive partner On Location, offering fans premium seating, hospitality events featuring Superstar appearances, exclusive photo opportunities, and more. To learn more about Elimination Chamber Priority Passes, please visit: https://onlocationexp.com/elimination.
The United Center, home to the Chicago Bulls and the Chicago Blackhawks, has hosted more than 200 events each year since opening in 1994, including marquee sports events such as the NCAA Basketball Tournament and SummerSlam.
Three decades in the making… @WWE’s return to the @UnitedCenter marks a historic return to Chicago for #WWEChamber in 2026. pic.twitter.com/J9o3R9TVXN
— Triple H (@TripleH) November 13, 2025
Solar storms brought colorful auroras to Chicago-area skies Tuesday night and early Wednesday morning, and there could be more to come.Over the past few days, the sun has burped out several bursts of energy called coronal mass ejections, or CMEs. Two have reached Earth, but at least one more is still on the way, which could lead to more chances to see the dazzle of the Northern Lights Wednesday."The CMEs that accompany [solar flares] really ignite the Aurora Borealis," NBC 5 Storm Team Meteorologist Kevin Jeanes said....
Solar storms brought colorful auroras to Chicago-area skies Tuesday night and early Wednesday morning, and there could be more to come.
Over the past few days, the sun has burped out several bursts of energy called coronal mass ejections, or CMEs. Two have reached Earth, but at least one more is still on the way, which could lead to more chances to see the dazzle of the Northern Lights Wednesday.
"The CMEs that accompany [solar flares] really ignite the Aurora Borealis," NBC 5 Storm Team Meteorologist Kevin Jeanes said. Although the sun had some CMEs this past week, the one from Tuesday was "moving stronger and faster," leading it to interact with past ones.
"That's the Cannibal CME," Jeanes said.
Hours after photos and video captured the pink, green, yellow and purple hues from across the city and suburbs, they were still visible early Wednesday morning. NBC Chicago's camera pointing east from New Trier High School in Winnetka captured the sight, and with the view visible through sunrise.
The show peaked Tuesday night, with a viewing line that cut across central Illinois and Indiana. Wednesday night's viewing line, NBC 5 Storm Team Meteorologist Alicia Roman said, would be further north.
And, how bright the auroras are and how far south they are visible will depend on when the burst gets here, and how it interacts with Earth’s magnetic field and atmosphere.
Here's what to know
The latest forecast from NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center showed a spike in geomagnetic activity from 9 a.m. to noon Wednesday, when the stronger CME is expected to reach Earth. That means Wednesday's geometric peak happens during daylight hours, but it's still possible the Northern Lights will make another appearance in the evening, Roman said.
"They'll peak later today midday," Roman said. Wednesday night, you'll still be able to catch them between 6 p.m. and 7 p.m., if you look away from city lights.
On the Geomagnetic storm impact scale, midday Wednesday, a “severe” (G4) Geomagnetic storm is likely. While they will be still visible tonight, the impact may drop to a G4, Roman said, which is still strong and visible to see.
"The best time to look will be from 6pm until 6am – and look away from city lights," Roman said. "And unlike last night where we had clear skies, there may be a few clouds lingering overnight."
The Northern Lights are often visible after a solar flare and a Coronal Mass Ejection (CME). Tuesday saw the strongest solar flare of the year, NBC 5 Strom Team Meteorologist Jeanes said.
But solar storms can bring more than colorful lights to Earth.
When fast-moving particles and plasma slam into Earth’s magnetic field, they can temporarily disrupt the power grid. Space weather can also interfere with air traffic control radio and satellites in orbit. Severe storms are capable of scrambling other radio and GPS communications.
Around 7:20 p.m. Tuesday, Northern Lights were visible in the Chicago area, including in Chicago, Cary, Downers Grove, Gilberts, Wilmette and Wheaton.
The lights were also visible downstate in Stark County, just north of Peoria, and in Annawan.
Here's a glimpse into what they looked like.
773-610-6222
