Aurora Borealis may be visible in Wisconsin this weekend. According to the NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC), the northern lights are forecasted to appear as far south as central Wisconsin on May 17, with a Kp index of four. On May 18, the Kp index is expected to be five, indicating brighter and more auroral activity.
However, clear weather conditions may hinder viewing opportunities. National Weather Service forecasts predict mostly cloudy skies in many cities, including Appleton, Green Bay, Wausau, Madison, and Fond du Lac on May 17. In contrast, partly cloudy night skies are expected for some areas, such as Appleton, Green Bay, Wausau, Fond du Lac, Milwaukee, Kenosha, and Racine on May 18.
To increase the chances of spotting the northern lights, it’s essential to head away from city lights and find high vantage points. The SWPC recommends keeping an eye out between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m., typically when the lights are most active. Some recommended spots for viewing the northern lights in Wisconsin include:
– Newport State Park
– Driftless Region
– Harrington Beach State Park
– Kettle Moraine State Forest
– Kohler-Andrae State Park
– Parnell Tower
Source: https://eu.jsonline.com/story/news/local/wisconsin/2025/05/17/will-the-northern-lights-be-visible-in-wisconsin-this-weekend/83691908007