WESTERN NEW YORK | WEATHER | November 14, 2026
Quick Take
- The International Space Station will pass almost straight over Western New York this evening, one of the best viewing angles possible.
- The pass starts at 5:57 p.m., rising in the west-southwest, and lasts just over five minutes.
- Thick clouds and scattered showers are in the forecast, so only people who catch a brief break in the clouds may see it.
What’s happening?
The International Space Station is making one of its best evening passes of the season over Buffalo and the rest of Western New York. Tracking maps show its path crossing the eastern U.S. from the Gulf Coast toward the Great Lakes, then over Lake Ontario before heading out over Quebec and the Canadian Maritimes.
Because the station will be nearly overhead, it should be at its brightest for local viewers. The space station orbits about 250 miles above Earth and circles the planet roughly every 90 minutes. It shows up as a bright, steady dot of light that moves quickly across the sky. It does not blink like an airplane.
Where and when?
Watch begins at 5:57 p.m. on Saturday, November 14, 2026. The station will rise low in the west-southwest, climb to nearly straight overhead around 6:00 p.m., then head toward the northeast. It should fade from view just after 6:02 p.m., when it moves into Earth’s shadow.
Sunset in Buffalo is just before 5 p.m., so the sky should be fully dark by the time the station appears.
Will clouds get in the way?
Probably, for most people. The National Weather Service in Buffalo is calling for cloudy skies tonight with a 50% chance of showers, mainly before 1 a.m.. Hourly forecasts show cloud cover near 100% around 6 p.m., with temperatures in the upper 30s.
Lake-effect cloud bands can still break apart briefly, though. The Weather Network expects scattered showers in the early evening to ease as the night goes on. A short opening in the clouds at the right moment would be enough to catch at least part of the pass.
What should you do?
Head outside a few minutes before 5:57 p.m. and let your eyes adjust to the dark. Find a spot with a clear view to the west-southwest, away from streetlights and tall trees. Once the station appears, follow it as it climbs overhead.
You do not need a telescope or binoculars. Dress warmly, since temperatures will be in the 30s with a light northwest wind. If you want to try for a photo, set your phone on a steady surface and use night mode or a long exposure. If clouds are moving fast, keep watching, because even a gap of a minute can give you a look.
What comes next?
Cloudy, showery weather keeps going into tonight, then improves a little. Forecasts show some clear breaks overnight into Sunday and a mix of sun and clouds by Monday.
The space station passes over Western New York often, and good evening passes come back every few weeks. NASA’s free Spot the Station service can send you alerts with exact times and directions for your location, so you can catch the next clear-sky pass if tonight’s clouds don’t cooperate.
By the Numbers
| Detail | Figure |
|---|---|
| Pass begins | 5:57 p.m. |
| Viewing time | Just over 5 minutes |
| Rises in | West-southwest |
| Chance of showers tonight | 50% |
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