For Saturday night, April 11, 2026, the northern lights forecast indicates a high likelihood of visibility in northern latitudes due to active geomagnetic conditions.
Current Conditions & Outlook
- Geomagnetic Activity: Current conditions have reached a Kp 4 (Active) threshold as of 02:15 UTC.
- Peak Forecast: Activity is expected to intensify, with a Kp 5 (Minor Storm) level forecast for the early hours of Sunday, April 12.
- Solar Drivers: A high-speed solar wind stream from a southern hemisphere coronal hole and a recent M1.06 solar flare from region 4409 are driving this weekend’s activity.
Regional Visibility Guide
| Region [6, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12] | Forecast Visibility | Viewing Notes |
|---|---|---|
| High Latitudes (e.g., Tromsø, Fairbanks, Iceland) | High (80-100%) | Aurora likely to be bright and directly overhead. |
| Mid Latitudes (e.g., Northern US States, UK, Southern Scandinavia) | Moderate (30-55%) | Potential visibility low on the northern horizon if conditions hit Kp 5. |
| Northern US (e.g., WA, ID, MT, ND, MN, MI, ME) | Low to Moderate | Recent reports suggest up to 10 states may see activity if clear skies persist. |
Tips for Best Viewing
- Peak Time: The best window is typically between 10 PM and 2 AM local time.
- Location: Find a dark spot away from city lights with a clear view of the northern horizon.
- Real-time Tracking: Keep an eye on the Bz (Interplanetary Magnetic Field); a negative (southward) Bz value for 30+ minutes significantly boosts aurora intensity.
- Weather: Check local cloud cover forecasts. Clear skies are mandatory, as clouds will block even the strongest displays.
For real-time updates and maps, you can monitor the NOAA Aurora Dashboard or SpaceWeatherLive.