NOAA Issues Kp Index of Four for Northern Lights in Nine States Saturday Night

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration issued a Kp index of four for Saturday night, indicating that the aurora may be quite pleasing to observers in suitable locations. Forbes reported the forecast covers northeastern Washington, the northern tip of Idaho, northern Montana, North Dakota, the northernmost stretches of South Dakota, northern Minnesota, northern Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.

No geomagnetic storms are forecast for the night.

Alaska offers improved odds of visibility, with chances rising farther inland. The best viewing window falls between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. local time from high vantage points away from light pollution. NOAA projects a Kp index of one for Sunday night, which will dampen auroral activity.

Forbes noted that scientists expect 2026 to mark the final year of somewhat frequent northern lights displays visible in the U.S. Tripods, low apertures and wide-angle lenses improve photographic results. Smartphone users should disable flash and enable night mode instead.