Supermoon Alert: January’s ‘Wolf Moon’ Lights Up This Weekend!

UPDATE: The first full moon of 2026, known as the ‘Wolf Moon’, is set to illuminate the night sky this weekend, and it’s not just any full moon—it’s a supermoon! This celestial event will peak at 5:03 a.m. ET on Saturday morning, but the ideal time for viewing is after it rises above the horizon that evening.

This supermoon, one of only three this year, occurs when the moon reaches its closest point to Earth, making it appear larger and brighter than usual. The ‘Wolf Moon’ gets its name from the howling of wolves heard during this time of year, a haunting reminder of winter’s grip. According to the Old Farmer’s Almanac, various Native American tribes have given it other names, including the Cold Moon and Freeze Up Moon.

Visibility for the ‘Wolf Moon’ looks promising across the Central U.S. on Saturday evening. However, those on the coasts may face challenges due to potential cloud cover. Don’t miss this chance to witness a stunning sight that won’t occur again until November 2026.

The next full moon, the Full Snow Moon, will follow shortly on February 1, 2026. This weekend’s supermoon promises to be a spectacular event that invites everyone to step outside and enjoy the beauty of our night sky—an experience to share with family and friends.

Stay tuned as our team of meteorologists continues to provide updates and insights into this astronomical phenomenon and upcoming weather patterns.