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2w ago

NOAA Forecasts Minor Geomagnetic Storm Tonight With Auroras Possible in Up to 16 States

Elevated solar wind from a coronal hole during the solar maximum may push the aurora farther south than usual.

The Northern Lights or Aurora Borealis are visible over the Tappan Zee or Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge on October 11, 2024, near New York City.
NOAA's Space Weather Prediction Center's view line shows at least nine states could see the aurora on Tuesday night, Aug. 19.
Image
Map shows where Aurora Borealis, aka Northern Lights, could be visible over the United States on Tuesday, August 19.

Overview

  • NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center expects isolated G1 storm periods on August 19–20, with the Kp index near 5.
  • As of Tuesday, the agency’s viewline places potential visibility across parts of Alaska, Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Michigan, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine.
  • Best viewing is from late evening to pre-dawn (roughly 10 p.m. to 2–4 a.m. local), away from city lights with a clear, north-facing horizon.
  • Forecasts can change quickly; consult SWPC’s 30-minute aurora forecast, and be aware that extensive cloud cover is expected over portions of the Midwest Tuesday night.
  • Forecasters cite high-speed solar wind from a coronal hole with a possible weak CME glancing blow during an active solar maximum that is expected to keep aurora chances elevated into 2026.