The Northern Lights may be visible in the US overnight on August 18-19, thanks to a geomagnetic storm forecasted by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Space Weather Prediction Center. With the moon rising early this week, the night skies will be dark enough for any auroral activity to be visible from northern states.
Mid-August is considered the beginning of the Northern Lights season in the Northern Hemisphere. A minor geomagnetic storm is expected, with a Kp index reaching 5 – indicating a possible sighting of aurora displays. The affected states include Alaska, Washington, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, northern Illinois, Michigan, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine.
The solar wind’s increased activity is due to coronal hole high-speed streams, which will cause fast-moving disturbances in the Earth’s magnetic field. This increase in solar activity coincides with darker skies at mid-northern latitudes, making it ideal for viewing the Northern Lights.
It’s worth noting that this sighting is a result of the sun’s current solar maximum, which typically lasts around 11 years and has already peaked in late 2024. However, aurora displays are still likely to be seen in the US for the next few years. Check NOAA’s forecast or use the Glendale App for up-to-the-minute updates to catch a glimpse of this natural phenomenon.
Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/jamiecartereurope/2025/08/18/northern-lights-update-aurora-alert-for-monday-night-in-16-states