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NOAA: Minor Geomagnetic Storm Tonight Could Bring Northern Lights to Northern U.S.

A high-speed solar wind stream from a coronal hole is driving the elevated aurora chances.

Overview

  • NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center expects G1 (minor) geomagnetic storm conditions Monday night into early Tuesday with a Kp index near 4.
  • Aurora may be visible across Alaska and parts of northern-tier states including Washington, Idaho, Montana, the Dakotas, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan and Maine, with visibility improving farther north.
  • NOAA maps indicate reduced odds on Tuesday night as activity eases, with the viewing line retreating toward parts of Montana, North Dakota and Minnesota.
  • Best viewing is after dark under clear, dark skies; NOAA highlights a window roughly 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. Central Time, with many observers favoring late evening to around midnight.
  • Forecasters advise checking NOAA’s 30-minute aurora forecast and real-time tracking apps, since visibility depends on the solar wind’s arrival, local weather and darkness.