People in Washington state are in for a possible treat tonight, especially those living in the northern regions. The northern lights, also known as aurora borealis, are forecasted to be visible tonight (April 4) and into the early morning hours on Saturday (April 5, 2025). This stunning natural display is caused by solar particles interacting with Earth's magnetic field, creating a dazzling spectacle of green, pink, and purple lights.
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), a geomagnetic storm is expected to cause visible auroras further south than normal, specifically in Washington and Idaho. NOAA forecasters indicate that minor G1-class geomagnetic storms are likely on April 4-5 due to the effects of a co-rotating interaction region (CIR). The storm is expected to arrive in our atmosphere late tonight and last until early Saturday.
"GEOMAGNETIC STORM WATCH (G1): NOAA forecasters say that minor G1-class geomagnetic storms are likely on April 4-5 due to the effects of a co-rotating interaction region (CIR)," NOAA stated. The best time for residents of Washington to look for the northern lights is between 10:00 p.m. and 2:00 a.m. on April 5, 2025. This four-hour window provides an excellent opportunity to catch the lights in action.
To enhance your chances of witnessing this stunning phenomenon, it’s advisable to get away from city lights and head to rural or higher-elevation areas where light pollution is minimal. This will allow for a clearer view of the auroras.
For those interested in capturing the northern lights on camera, using a wide-angle lens and setting it to a long exposure is recommended. Interestingly, most cameras on today’s smartphones are better at capturing the brightness and color of the northern lights than the naked eye. If you’re having trouble seeing any color in the sky, try using your phone camera, which should make it easier to see. Additionally, using a tripod will help avoid blurry images caused by camera shake during long exposures.
For anyone who has always wanted to witness this breathtaking natural display, tonight presents a fairly rare opportunity for residents of Washington. So bundle up and get ready to enjoy the show, which has the potential to be spectacular if the conditions align.
Meanwhile, in Montana, the situation is similar. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is also forecasting a good chance that northern lights will be viewable across the northern part of the state tonight. After a week of winter weather that delayed spring, the skies are finally expected to clear, providing an excellent opportunity for residents to head out and see the lights.
There was a slight chance of viewing the northern lights last night, but due to snow, rain, and clouds, the chances were minimal. Now, with the weather improving and expected clear skies, tonight might just be the night to witness this amazing natural display.
According to the Geophysical Institute, Montana will have a Kp-5 ranking today between 6-9 p.m. This K-Index is used to characterize the magnitude of geomagnetic storms, and a Kp-5 indicates a strong chance of seeing the lights. After 9 p.m., the ranking drops to a Kp-4, but there will still be a chance to see the auroras.
As temperatures are expected to remain on the colder side tonight, anyone planning to head out to see the lights should be sure to bundle up. The combination of clear skies and heightened geomagnetic activity makes for a promising night for aurora enthusiasts in Montana.
In summary, both Washington and Montana residents have a rare opportunity to witness the northern lights tonight. The NOAA's forecasts and geomagnetic storm alerts suggest that the conditions are just right for potentially spectacular displays. Whether you’re in Washington or Montana, grab your camera, find a dark spot away from city lights, and enjoy what could be a memorable night under the auroras.
