Northern Lights Could be Visible Across 10 States

While the southern tier of the country continues to grapple with rain and stormy conditions, those in the north may see a different type of show from Mother Nature over the next few nights. Multiple states could see opportunities to catch the dazzling northern lights. Here is a look at where the odds will be the highest, as well as what regions will enjoy the best weather to see the show.

Northern Lights Could Put on a Show for Parts of the U.S.

The aurora borealis may be visible in as many as 10 states in the northern U.S. this week. According to the Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC) out of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the lights will dance in the night skies on Tuesday, October 28, and Wednesday, October 29.

Alaska will enjoy the greatest chances to see the lights over the next two nights. However, several other states close to the border of Canada will also be in the zone of potential sightings. These states include Washington, Idaho, Montana, South Dakota, North Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, and Maine. All of Canada will also have the chance to catch this spectacle. Of these states, the northern reaches of Alaska will see the greatest chances of seeing the lights. Heading into the contiguous U.S., those in Montana, North Dakota, and Minnesota will enjoy the best potential viewing.

The SWPC uses a forecasting tool that is based on the scientific OVATION model to predict when the aurora borealis might be in view. The model collects data surrounding the maximum forecast geomagnetic activity (Kp) between the hours of 6 pm and 6 am CDT. The images are updated continuously to provide a glimpse into when the activity might signal higher odds of the lights sneaking farther south into the U.S.