NOAA Forecasts Possible Aurora Visibility Across Northern U.S. on July 5, 2026

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) forecast a chance that the aurora borealis will be visible from parts of the northern United States on Sunday night, July 5, 2026. NOAA predicts a Kp index of four of nine, which can yield brighter displays and may push visibility farther from the magnetic north pole.

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Forecasters link the activity to a coronal mass ejection (CME) that left the Sun Wednesday–Thursday and is expected to reach Earth by Sunday, interacting with the magnetosphere to trigger auroras. NOAA’s three-day outlook adds that fast solar-wind streams from a coronal hole may combine with the CME, producing minor geomagnetic storms and a brief period of stronger disturbances.

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NOAA’s aurora map rates visibility as “low” for the northernmost parts of Washington, Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, while most of Alaska is in a “high” likelihood zone. The forecast calls the storms minor, yet even minor disturbances can make the aurora visible well south of the usual auroral oval.

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NOAA’s release notes that a Kp index of four may yield brighter auroral features and that combined solar-wind conditions could create isolated periods of stronger geomagnetic activity. The agency adds that the storms are minor but enough to expand the auroral footprint across parts of the continental United States.

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Experts advise traveling north and choosing sites away from light pollution with a clear northern view. Optimal windows are between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. Photographers consulted by National Geographic recommend a tripod, remote timer, and for smartphones, RAW night mode with flash off to capture faint, fast-moving auroras.

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• “Anadolu via Getty Images Key Facts NOAA predicted a Kp index of four out of nine for Sunday night, meaning the aurora could appear “brighter” with more “motion and formations,” and potentially visible further from the magnetic north pole.” — NOAA, Forecast

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• “-Canadian border for Sunday, including the very northern parts of Washington, Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.” — NOAA, Forecast

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• “Most of Alaska could also see the northern lights, with a large portion of the state falling in the “high likelihood” region of NOAA’s aurora forecast map.” — NOAA, Forecast

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• “Photographers who spoke to National Geographic said smartphone cameras can take quality photos of the aurora, given users are working with the right settings and equipment.” — Photographers, National Geographic

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NOAA will continue issuing three-day space-weather outlooks, updating the Kp index and auroral probability for the week. Observers are encouraged to monitor NOAA’s real-time aurora maps and geomagnetic alerts for visibility changes.

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