Northern Lights Forecast: 19 US States to See Aurora Borealis Tonight

Northern Lights Forecast: Aurora Borealis Visible Across 19 US States Tonight

A sudden geomagnetic storm watch is in effect across the United States as a powerful coronal mass ejection (CME) makes contact with Earth's magnetic field. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Space Weather Prediction Center has issued a warning that the resulting G1 (Minor) to G2 (Moderate) geomagnetic storm will push the northern lights visibility line much further south than usual, giving millions of Americans a rare chance to see the aurora borealis without traveling to the Arctic.

According to the latest forecast, the KP index—a measure of geomagnetic activity on a scale from 0 to 9—is expected to climb to a KP 5 or higher, drastically lowering the latitude at which the aurora can be seen. The CME, which erupted from the Sun on June 26, 2026, is now colliding with our planet's magnetosphere, triggering shimmering green and purple curtains of light that could be visible as far south as Oregon, Nebraska, and Illinois.

Which US States Have the Highest Chance of Seeing the Aurora?

Forecasters have identified 19 states with a probability of aurora visibility tonight. The best viewing locations are along the US-Canada border, but lower latitudes may also catch a glimpse low on the northern horizon if the storm intensifies.

States with high probability: Washington, Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, and Maine.

States with low probability (but still possible): Oregon, Wyoming, Nebraska, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, New York, Vermont, and New Hampshire.

Residents in these regions should look north after sunset, away from city lights, for the best chance to witness the display. The Northern Lights Forecast: 19 US States May See Aurora Tonight After Solar Eruption provides a detailed breakdown of timing and intensity.

Why Is This Northern Lights Event Significant?

The current solar storm is notable because it brings the aurora borealis to latitudes that rarely experience such phenomena. While G1 storms are fairly common, G2 storms—especially those that push the visibility line into the lower 48 states—occur only a few times per solar cycle. This event is part of an ongoing period of heightened solar activity as the Sun approaches the peak of its 11-year cycle, expected around 2025–2026.

The NOAA warning, issued on June 25, 2026, indicated that the geomagnetic K-index of 5 was expected from 0337 UTC on June 25 through 0900 UTC on June 26. However, the effects of the CME are still being felt tonight, with the KP index remaining elevated.

Astronomers and space weather enthusiasts have been tracking this CME since its eruption, and the current forecast aligns with earlier predictions. For context, a similar event earlier this year brought the northern lights to parts of Texas and Florida, underscoring the unpredictability and power of solar storms.

What Does the KP Index Mean for Viewers?

The KP index is the key to understanding how far south the aurora will be visible. A KP 5 indicates a G1 storm, which typically means the aurora can be seen at latitudes around 50° to 55° north. However, with a KP 6 or higher (G2), the oval of visibility can expand to regions as far south as 45° north, covering many of the states listed above.

Viewers should monitor the NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center's real-time KP index updates and local weather conditions. Cloud cover and light pollution are the main obstacles to seeing the northern lights, so clear skies and dark locations are essential.

How to Watch the Northern Lights Tonight: Tips for Observers

To maximize your chances of seeing the aurora borealis tonight, follow these practical guidelines:

• Check the forecast: Use apps or websites that provide real-time KP index data and cloud cover maps.
• Find a dark location: Get away from city lights. National parks, rural areas, or high vantage points are ideal.
• Look north: The aurora will appear low on the northern horizon for most observers in the lower-latitude states.
• Be patient: The display may not be constant. It can wax and wane in intensity over minutes or hours.
• Use a camera: Long-exposure photography can reveal colors that are faint to the naked eye.

For those in states with low probability, even a weak glow on the horizon can be a memorable sight. The storm’s unpredictability means that a sudden intensification could improve visibility further south.

Broader Implications: Solar Maximum and Northern Lights Forecasting

This event is a glimpse of what lies ahead as the Sun approaches the Solar Maximum, the peak of its magnetic activity cycle. During this phase, CMEs and solar flares become more frequent, leading to more frequent and intense geomagnetic storms. For skywatchers, this means more opportunities to see the northern lights at lower latitudes over the next two to three years.

However, the same solar storms that produce beautiful auroras can also disrupt satellite communications, GPS systems, and power grids. NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center plays a crucial role in monitoring these events and issuing timely warnings to infrastructure operators.

The current storm is relatively mild, but it serves as a reminder of the Sun's power. As forecasting technology improves, researchers are better able to predict the timing and intensity of such events, giving the public more notice to prepare for both the spectacle and the potential disruptions.

For now, millions of Americans can look up tonight and witness one of nature’s most awe-inspiring phenomena—a direct result of a solar flare that began its journey from the Sun just days ago. Clear skies and happy hunting.