The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration forecasts mild geomagnetic storms that may make the aurora borealis visible in about 10 U.S. states [1].
These displays are significant because they allow residents in lower latitudes to witness the northern lights, a phenomenon typically reserved for polar regions. The visibility depends on the intensity of solar activity and local cloud cover.
NOAA expects G1 and G2 level geomagnetic storms [1]. These storms are triggered by increased solar activity, which pushes the auroral oval further south than usual [1, 2]. The initial forecast period for these events spanned from Friday, July 31, to Sunday, Aug. 2, 2026 [3]. A subsequent update shifted the forecast for a G1 storm to occur between Sunday, Aug. 2, and Monday, Aug. 3, 2026 [4].
The states most likely to see the lights are those bordering Canada [5]. This list includes Washington, Montana, North Dakota, Minnesota, Michigan, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine, and Alaska [5]. While some reports suggest 10 states may see the aurora [1], other estimates indicate as many as 21 states could be affected [6]. This varies from an earlier forecast that predicted visibility for nine states on a Thursday night [7].
Observers are encouraged to look toward the northern horizon in dark areas away from city lights. Because these are G1 and G2 storms, the lights may appear as a faint glow or shimmering curtains of green and red. The precise timing of the peak visibility often depends on the arrival of solar wind currents at Earth's magnetic field.
“NOAA expects G1 and G2 level geomagnetic storms.”
The variance in the number of affected states, ranging from nine to 21, highlights the volatility of space weather forecasting. While G1 and G2 storms are considered mild, they demonstrate the ongoing influence of the solar cycle on Earth's atmosphere, providing a window for mid-latitude populations to observe solar interactions with the magnetosphere.
