Seattle, Washington – A rare G4 (Severe) geomagnetic storm is creating favorable conditions for the Northern Lights to be visible tonight across parts of Washington and Oregon, according to the NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center.
NOAA’s latest aurora forecast shows the auroral oval expanding across the northern tier of the United States, placing northern Washington, the Cascade foothills, and parts of central and eastern Oregon within range of potential aurora visibility. Forecast guidance indicates a Kp index near 7 to 8, strong enough to support auroral displays well south of their usual range.
The aurora is being driven by a coronal mass ejection from the Sun that is interacting with Earth’s magnetic field. When charged solar particles collide with oxygen and nitrogen high in the atmosphere, they produce glowing bands of green and red light known as the Northern Lights.
For viewers in northern Washington and higher-elevation areas, auroras may appear as distinct green bands or curtains overhead if conditions intensify. Farther south, including central Washington and much of Oregon, the lights are more likely to appear as a faint glow or diffuse bands low on the northern horizon, especially away from city lights.
The best viewing window is expected late tonight through the early morning hours, generally between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m., weather and cloud cover permitting. Observers are encouraged to seek dark locations, avoid urban light pollution, and allow eyes time to adjust to darkness.
Auroras are harmless to people on the ground, though the same geomagnetic storm is prompting monitoring of satellites, GPS systems, and power infrastructure.
Auroral intensity may fluctuate overnight as geomagnetic conditions change.
