Wisconsin residents are advised to keep their eyes on the sky this week as a chance to witness the northern lights (aurora borealis) is forecasted to appear in more than a dozen states, including the Badger State. According to NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC), auroral activity is expected on August 18 and 19.
On August 18, aurora borealis can be seen across the entire state, with an average Kp index of five. This indicates brighter lights and more auroral activity due to the location further from the poles. However, weather conditions in Wisconsin may not cooperate, with thunderstorms forecasted for most areas on this day.
By August 19, stormy weather will have cleared, offering clearer skies for viewing the northern lights in most parts of the state. Green Bay and Appleton can expect partly cloudy night skies, however.
For optimal viewing, head away from city lights, seek high vantage points, and monitor the SWPC’s aurora forecast tool, which provides location and intensity information for 30 to 90 minutes.
Some top locations in Wisconsin for northern lights sightings 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/2025/08/18/can-i-see-the-aurora-borealis-in-wisconsin-tonight/85707285007