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By Alice Gibbs
Senior Reporter
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Skywatchers in parts of the northern United States could have a chance to see the northern lights this weekend, according to the latest forecast from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), which shows auroral activity extending across portions of the northern U.S. and southern Canada.
NOAA's latest three-day forecast predicts geomagnetic activity will remain below official storm levels through Sunday, but conditions may still be favorable enough for some northern states to catch a glimpse of the aurora borealis under dark, clear skies. The agency forecasts a maximum Kp index (the scale used to measure likelihood of seeing Northern Lights) of 4.0 between July 31 and August 2, below the threshold for a minor geomagnetic storm.
States With the Best Chance of Seeing the Northern Lights
Based on NOAA's aurora forecast and aurora visibility maps, Alaska is expected to have the strongest chance of seeing the phenomenon this weekend. A smaller possibility of visibility exists in parts of:
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- Montana
- North Dakota
- Minnesota
- Washington
- Idaho
- Wisconsin
- Michigan
The best viewing opportunities outside Alaska are expected in areas closest to the Canadian border, particularly northern Montana, North Dakota and Minnesota. More limited chances could extend into northern portions of Washington, Idaho, Wisconsin and Michigan.
Why the Northern Lights Could Appear This Weekend
The northern lights occur when charged particles from the sun interact with Earth's magnetic field and atmosphere, producing colorful displays that can appear green, purple, pink and red. Visibility depends on both solar activity and local observing conditions.
While NOAA is not forecasting any geomagnetic storms this weekend, the agency's outlook suggests enough activity for the auroral oval to dip southward toward portions of the northern contiguous United States. NOAA notes that the greatest expected three-hour Kp value through Sunday is 4.0, a level that can allow viewers near the U.S.-Canada border to see the lights if skies are clear.
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How to See the Northern Lights
NOAA recommends heading to a dark location away from city lights and looking toward the northern horizon after sunset. The agency says the aurora is often most visible between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. local time.
Weather conditions can also play a major role in visibility. Even if auroral activity is present, cloud cover may prevent viewing opportunities. Photographers often have better luck capturing faint auroras with smartphone night modes or long-exposure camera settings than with the naked eye.
Aurora Activity Has Increased in Recent Years
Northern lights displays became unusually frequent across the United States during 2024 and 2025 as the sun moved through the peak of its approximately 11-year solar cycle. Increased solar activity led to several major aurora events that pushed visibility far beyond its usual range. Scientists expect solar activity to gradually decline in the coming years as the current cycle moves away from its maximum phase.
Contact Newsweek editors on this story: Matthew Robinson and Emma Lee-Sang
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