Northern Lights Forecast: Aurora Borealis May Hit 19 U.S. States This Week

Americans across the United States are on high alert as the latest Northern Lights forecast hints at the Aurora Borealis visibility across the northern states of the country. 

According to an official alert issued by the NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center a massive coronal mass ejection (CME) that erupted from the sun on June 26 is officially making contact with the magnetic field of our planet. 

This solar plasma collision is predicted to trigger a G1 (Minor) to G2 (Moderate) geomagnetic storm forecast that is going to drastically lower the visibility line for the Northern Lights. 

For millions of Americans this unusual solar surge provides a rare but highly anticipated window to view the elusive green and purple curtains we know as Aurora without booking a flight to the Arctic Circle. 

Let’s see which places have made it to the list of U.S. States with the highest Northern Lights visibility today and in case you happen to be there then what would be the best Aurora viewing conditions for you? 

What is the Northern Lights Forecast for U.S. States Tonight?

How far the Aurora can be visible geographically depends heavily on the intensity of the incoming solar wind on the Earth. Forecasters note this phenomenon via the KP index tracker which ranks geomagnetic activity on a scale from 0 to 9. 

NOAA tracking models show the KP index climbing to a Kp 5 or higher which is pushing the green and blue Northern light visibility much further south than usual.

The best viewing locations for the Aurora are on the U.S. Canada border. But the other nearby regions could also catch a glimpse low on the northern horizon if the storm intensifies.

WARNING: Geomagnetic K-index of 5 expected
Valid From: 2026 Jun 25 0337 UTC
Valid To: 2026 Jun 26 0900 UTC
Warning Conditions: Onset
Noaa Scale: G1 - Minor
Comment:

NOAA Scale: G1 - Minor
Issue Time: 2026 Jun 25 0338 UTChttps://t.co/ZbtuNtJdza

— NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center (@NWSSWPC) June 25, 2026

Meanwhile you can refer to the following list of 19 States which have a chance of viewing the Northern Lights tonight. 

States with the highest probability: 

1. Washington, 

2. Idaho, 

3. Montana, 

4. North Dakota, 

5. South Dakota, 

6. Minnesota, 

7. Wisconsin, 

8. Michigan, and 

9. Maine. 

States with low chances of Northern Lights visibility:

1. Oregon, 

2. Wyoming, 

3. Nebraska, 

4. Iowa, 

5. Illinois, 

6. Indiana, 

7. Ohio, 

8. New York, 

9. Vermont, and 

10. New Hampshire.

How to See Northern Lights Tonight in the U.S.

Catching the aurora requires a mix of perfect timing clear weather and strategic positioning away from urban centers.

We are currently going through the stormy post-peak phase of Solar Cycle 25. While scientists at NOAA noted the official solar maximum peaked slightly earlier the years immediately following remain highly volatile. 

Large sunspots continue to crackle with activity with frequent firing off of Earth-directed CMEs. This means sudden solar storm watch alerts and surprise Aurora Borealis forecasts will remain common throughout the rest of the year. 

This shifting space weather can make tracking the real-time Northern Lights forecast important for outdoor enthusiasts. If cloud cover stays clear find a dark sanctuary tonight look north and keep your camera ready for a stunning glimpse of the cosmos.