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NOAA Forecasts Kp 4 Tonight, Putting Northern Lights Within Reach of Northern U.S. States

Fast solar wind from a coronal hole during a busy solar cycle is driving the moderate geomagnetic activity.

Overview

  • NOAA now projects a Kp index of 4 for Saturday night, indicating brighter, more active aurora at higher latitudes.
  • Best chances are in Alaska and northern Canada, with possible visibility in Washington, Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, and Maine.
  • The uptick follows minor geomagnetic storms caused by high‑speed solar wind, which can extend visibility farther south than usual.
  • Ideal viewing typically occurs between about 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. from dark, north‑facing spots away from city lights.
  • NOAA’s aurora viewline offers real‑time location guidance as conditions fluctuate during a solar maximum expected to last into early 2026.