Aurora Borealis Forecast: Northern lights may be visible in 9 US states tonight
The aurora borealis forecast shows a high-speed solar wind stream sweeping past Earth, bringing a chance of visible northern lights tonight and tomorrow from Alaska to Maine, NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center says. Minor (G1) geomagnetic storm conditions are expected when the stream arrives, with storm activity most likely March 13–14 and elevated conditions possibly lingering into March 15. Geomagnetic activity is forecast to become elevated around 11 a. m. EDT and could make auroras visible as soon as darkness falls if skies are clear.
Aurora Borealis Forecast: Key facts now
NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center warns the event is driven by a fast solar wind stream expected to buffet Earth’s magnetic field. The center classifies the likely disturbance as minor (G1) geomagnetic storming, which can produce visible auroras at high latitudes and sporadic displays farther south if conditions strengthen. Forecasters outline the most probable window for heightened activity as March 13–14, with some elevated activity possible into March 15 while the stream continues to interact with Earth’s magnetosphere. The agency’s 3-day outlook lists minor geomagnetic storming as a primary possibility for this interval.
Forecast uncertainty remains: the aurora borealis forecast highlights that if the solar wind stream strengthens, lights could extend well beyond current view lines; if it weakens or local conditions are unfavorable, displays may not materialize at all.
Where and when you might see the northern lights
Visibility is centered on high-latitude regions. The forecast specifically notes chances stretching from Alaska to Maine, and identifies nine U. S. states that appear fully or partially above the possible aurora view line based on current data. The best viewing opportunities are tonight and Saturday night while the solar wind stream is strongest, and observers are advised that clear skies after nightfall will be critical. Geomagnetic activity is expected to rise around 11 a. m. EDT and remain elevated into the night, so plan to watch after local dark for the first signs of color or motion on the horizon.
What to watch and what comes next
Practical steps embedded in the aurora borealis forecast: watch local skies after dark, find a dark site away from light pollution, and be prepared for a brief window of activity that could peak quickly and then fade. NOAA’s outlook leaves open two main scenarios — a stronger-than-expected arrival that pushes auroras farther south, or a weaker interaction that yields little to nothing visible. Expect the situation to evolve over the next 72 hours as the fast solar wind stream continues to interact with Earth’s magnetic field.
Live updates from NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center will refine timing and geographic reach; for now, observers in the nine states noted in current forecasts should be ready to look skyward tonight and tomorrow night. The aurora borealis forecast remains the central planning tool for anyone hoping to catch the show, and conditions will dictate whether the northern lights dazzle or remain out of sight.
