Rare Northern Lights Expected Across Northern US Skies

Skywatchers across North America are in for a rare treat this week as a surge of solar activity could bring the mesmerizing aurora borealis—better known as the Northern Lights—dancing across the skies of the northern United States, parts of Canada, and even as far south as Illinois and Washington. While the aurora is usually reserved for the polar regions, a series of powerful solar flares and geomagnetic storms are setting the stage for a spectacle that could be visible to millions more than usual.

According to Forbes and meteorological data reviewed on February 4, 2026, a particularly active region on the sun unleashed a string of potent solar flares on Monday and Tuesday of this week. These X-class flares—the most intense category tracked by scientists—sent coronal mass ejections (CMEs), or massive clouds of charged solar particles, hurtling toward Earth. Space weather experts anticipate that these particles could reach our planet as early as Thursday, February 6, potentially triggering geomagnetic storms powerful enough to push the auroral oval much farther south than its usual Arctic haunts.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) corroborated this forecast, showing a faint green shade on its Aurora Forecast map that cuts through the middle of Washington State, indicating a low but real chance of aurora visibility there on Wednesday night. While the prospects in Washington are described as only a "slight possibility," the viewing line extends through the state, and the best chances are in areas away from city lights, between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m.

This isn’t just a Pacific Northwest story. The auroral oval—the region where the Northern Lights are visible—has expanded beyond the Arctic due to this recent surge in solar activity. As reported by multiple sources, including space weather models and the University of Alaska Fairbanks, the Northern Lights may be seen in at least 11 U.S. states. These include Alaska, Washington, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, and Maine. In addition, the aurora could make a rare appearance as far south as Northern Illinois, Southern Wisconsin, and even on the horizon in cities like Seattle, Des Moines, Chicago, Cleveland, Boston, and Halifax.

The science behind this phenomenon is as fascinating as the spectacle itself. The Northern Lights are generated when charged particles from the sun—carried by the solar wind—collide with Earth’s magnetic field and upper atmosphere. The resulting geomagnetic storms energize atmospheric gases, causing them to glow in vivid colors, from shimmering greens and reds to rare blues and purples. While these displays are typically strongest near the poles, particularly intense solar events like this week’s can push the aurora’s reach much farther south.

It’s not just the sun’s activity that matters, though. As experts emphasize, local weather conditions play a crucial role in aurora visibility. Even the strongest geomagnetic storm can be foiled by thick cloud cover or city light pollution. Fortunately for would-be watchers in Metro Vancouver and much of the northern U.S., weather forecasts are calling for clear, dry nights. Environment Canada meteorologist Bobby Sekhon noted that a strong ridge of high pressure is building over British Columbia, keeping the region dry and allowing for optimal viewing conditions. Temperatures are expected to be above seasonal averages, with highs of 14°C and overnight lows of 5°C, a few degrees warmer than usual for this time of year.

For those hoping to witness the aurora, experts offer some practical advice. The best viewing window generally falls between 9 p.m. and 2 a.m., when the sky is darkest and geomagnetic activity often peaks. Viewers should seek out locations far from city lights, with a clear view to the north and an unobstructed horizon. As one meteorological report quipped, "Cornfields beat cul-de-sacs every time." In places like Illinois, the aurora may appear as a faint green or reddish glow low on the horizon, rather than the dramatic ribbons seen in Alaska. Still, as last spring’s geomagnetic storm proved—when people from Rockford to Madison snapped photos of bright auroral pillars—the Northern Lights can and do make surprise appearances far from their usual stomping grounds when the sun gets rowdy enough.

Technology can help, too. Modern smartphone cameras, especially in night mode or with long exposures, often pick up more color and detail than the naked eye. Enthusiasts are encouraged to try their hand at capturing the display, but are reminded not to expect magazine-cover brilliance—at least not in more southerly latitudes.

While the possibility of seeing the aurora excites many, it’s not without its downsides. NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center observed an R3 (Strong) solar flare, which is strong enough to cause radio blackouts and other communication disturbances. However, as of February 5, no geomagnetic storm warning as severe as the G4 (Severe) event of January 19, 2026, has been issued. That earlier storm produced impressive aurora displays across the Lower Mainland and northern states, despite fog advisories in some regions.

For those in Canada, especially in cities like Yellowknife, Iqaluit, Juneau, Edmonton, Winnipeg, and Thunder Bay, the University of Alaska Fairbanks predicts "highly active auroral displays" overhead on Thursday. Meanwhile, skywatchers in Seattle, Des Moines, Chicago, and other northern U.S. cities are advised to look low on the horizon for a chance at seeing the celestial show.

All told, the convergence of historic solar activity, clear skies, and the peak of the solar maximum cycle is giving North Americans their best shot in years at seeing the Northern Lights—sometimes right from their own backyards. Whether you’re a seasoned aurora chaser or just hoping for a once-in-a-lifetime glimpse, this week’s cosmic light show is one not to miss. Just remember: bring patience, a warm coat, and maybe a camera. The universe doesn’t always put on a show, but when it does, it’s worth staying up late.

With the sun’s recent outbursts and the right conditions lining up, the next few nights could turn into an unforgettable experience for stargazers across the continent.