Northern Lights Forecast for Multiple U.S. States in July 2026
Throughout July 2026, NOAA forecasts multiple opportunities for northern lights visibility across up to 12 northern U.S. states, driven by minor geomagnetic storms, coronal mass ejections, and fast solar wind from coronal holes. Kp indices range from 4 to 5, with optimal viewing between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. from dark, high vantage points. Alaska has the highest likelihood, while states like Washington, Montana, North Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, and others may see displays. Activity remains elevated due to the 2024 solar cycle peak but is expected to decline by 2027.
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Northern Lights Forecast: 12 States May See Aurora Borealis Tuesday Night Due to Minor Geomagnetic Storm
A minor geomagnetic storm is expected to make the aurora borealis visible across 12 U.S. states on Tuesday night, July 21, 2026. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicts a Kp index of four to five on a nine-point scale, driven by fast-moving solar wind from a coronal hole in the sun's atmosphere. The viewline includes Alaska, Montana, North Dakota, Minnesota, Maine, and northern parts of Washington, Idaho, Wisconsin, Michigan, New York, Vermont, and New Hampshire. Optimal viewing is between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. local time from high, north-facing locations away from light pollution. The article also provides photography tips for smartphones and cameras. This event is part of heightened auroral activity during the sun's 11-year solar maximum cycle, which has produced rare displays across dozens of states since 2024.
Northern Lights Update: 9 States Could See Aurora Borealis Tonight
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) forecasts that the northern lights may be visible across nine northern U.S. states on Monday night, July 13, 2026, with a Kp index of 4 indicating moderate auroral activity. Alaska has the highest likelihood of viewing, while North Dakota and the northern edges of Washington, Idaho, Montana, South Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan have smaller chances. No geomagnetic storms are expected, which typically enhance displays. Tuesday night's aurora is forecast to be weaker with a Kp index of 3. NOAA recommends viewing between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. local time from high vantage points away from light pollution. The article notes that auroral activity peaked in 2024-2025 during the solar maximum and is expected to decline through the latter half of the decade.
Northern Lights Forecast: Up to 10 U.S. States May See Aurora on Saturday Night
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has forecast a Kp index of five for Saturday night, July 11, 2026, meaning the aurora borealis could be visible across up to 10 northern U.S. states. The best viewing areas include northern Washington, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan's Upper Peninsula. No geomagnetic storm impacts are expected, and activity is not forecast to continue into Sunday. Optimal viewing is between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m., with low light pollution and a waning crescent moon (15% illumination) aiding visibility. The article notes that auroral activity remains elevated due to the 2024 peak of the sun's 11-year solar cycle, which was a 500-year high, though activity is expected to decline.
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Northern Lights Forecast: Aurora Could Be Visible in Northern U.S. States After Powerful X-Class Solar Flare
Forecasters at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predict a heightened chance of aurora borealis visibility across several northern U.S. states on Thursday night and early Friday morning, July 2-3, 2026. This celestial display is driven by a coronal mass ejection (CME) associated with a powerful X-class solar flare that departed the Sun on June 30. NOAA expects a Kp index of five on Thursday, indicating brighter and more dynamic auroral displays visible further from the magnetic north pole. States with potential visibility include parts of Washington, Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan's Upper Peninsula, with Alaska having the highest likelihood. Forecasters warn of possible strong high-frequency radio blackouts on Thursday due to the solar flare. The article also offers guidance for viewing and photographing the aurora, recommending high, dark vantage points, midnight hours, and smartphone night mode with a tripod.
Northern Lights Forecast: Minor Geomagnetic Storms May Help 9 States See The Aurora Wednesday Night
According to an article from Forbes, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) forecasts that up to nine northern U.S. states may see the northern lights on Wednesday night, July 1, 2026, due to minor geomagnetic storms. NOAA predicts a Kp index of four, indicating 'quite pleasing' auroral activity. Visible areas include northeastern Washington, northern Idaho, northern Montana, North Dakota, northern South Dakota, northern Minnesota, northern Wisconsin, and Michigan's Upper Peninsula, with even better chances in Alaska. The aurora is best viewed between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. from high vantage points with minimal light pollution. NOAA also forecasts increased activity on Thursday night with a Kp index of five. The article notes that northern lights activity reached a 500-year high in 2024 due to the solar cycle peak but is expected to decline by 2027.