Portland, OR – Oregon skies could light up with northern lights tonight, even as rain and clouds approach the coast ahead of a soggy end to the week.
According to the US National Weather Service Portland and the NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center, a G4 (Severe) geomagnetic storm continues to energize the atmosphere, possibly bringing aurora visibility as far south as Oregon before midnight.
Forecasters say skies will stay partly clear early this evening, especially inland from Portland to Eugene, giving stargazers a chance to spot faint green or red glows along the northern horizon. However, widespread rain will develop later tonight and continue through Friday, with the heaviest showers Thursday morning.
Rainfall totals are expected to reach 0.5 to 1 inch inland and 1 to 1.5 inches along the coast by Friday night. Winds along the shoreline may also increase, bringing gusty conditions and rough surf.
Residents hoping to view the aurora should head outdoors before 10 p.m. for the best chance of clear skies. By late night, cloud cover and rainfall will likely obscure the display.
Have you ever seen the northern lights from Oregon? Share your photos and viewing locations before the clouds roll in!
