Overview

• NOAA recorded a G3 geomagnetic storm at 29/0216 UTC on May 28 that expanded the auroral oval into 17 U.S. states and as far south as Italy.
• The storm originated from a co-rotating interaction region linked to a coronal hole high-speed solar wind stream facing Earth.
• Tonight’s Kp index is forecast at 4, meaning the northern lights should drift beyond the poles into northern and central U.S. skies after 10 p.m.
• Minor to moderate high-frequency radio blackouts may occur through Saturday as geomagnetic activity remains unsettled.
• The solar maximum declared in October 2024 is expected to last into early 2026, sustaining off-season auroras even as shorter nights narrow viewing windows toward the June solstice.