Olympia, WA – Washington residents may have a strong chance to see the Northern Lights late Thursday night into early Friday, January 8–9, as increased solar activity pushes auroras farther south than usual.
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), a G1-level geomagnetic storm is expected to peak overnight. The storm is being driven by enhanced solar wind associated with a coronal mass ejection (CME) and a co-rotating interaction region (CIR)—solar disturbances that can intensify aurora displays across northern states.
In Washington, auroras are most likely to be visible in northern and eastern parts of the state, especially away from heavy light pollution. Prime viewing areas include Whatcom County, Skagit County, Okanogan County, Ferry County, Stevens County, and the Methow Valley, as well as higher elevations east of the Cascades.
Residents in Bellingham, Mount Vernon, Wenatchee, and Spokane may see visible auroral activity if skies remain clear. Viewing will be more difficult in Seattle, Tacoma, and Everett, where city lights and coastal cloud cover often limit visibility, though faint displays are still possible under ideal conditions.
Cloud cover will be the biggest obstacle in the Pacific Northwest. Even strong geomagnetic storms cannot be seen through clouds, making clear skies essential. Aurora watchers are encouraged to monitor local weather forecasts alongside NOAA space weather updates throughout the night.
For many Washington viewers, the aurora may appear as glowing arcs or shimmering bands, with greens most common and occasional hints of purple. Cameras and smartphones using Night Mode or long-exposure settings can capture colors not easily visible to the naked eye.
If conditions align, this could be Washington’s first notable aurora display of 2026.
