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NOAA Predicts Minor Geomagnetic Storm That Could Bring Northern Lights to Much of Canada and Parts of the Northern U.S.

A June 30 coronal mass ejection tied to an X1.1 solar flare is expected to drive G1–G2 activity if real-time solar-wind conditions allow.

Overview

  • The coronal mass ejection that left the sun on June 30 is forecast by NOAA to arrive in early July and produce G1–G2 geomagnetic conditions with Kp values near 4–6.
  • If those conditions verify, aurora could be visible across most of Canada and into as many as 19 U.S. states with the best chances along the U.S.‑Canada border and in Alaska.
  • Forecasters caution the outcome depends on the interplanetary magnetic field’s Bz orientation and any follow-up CMEs, so timing and strength remain time‑sensitive and subject to change.
  • Observers should look between about 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. from dark, high vantage points, use NOAA’s 30‑minute aurora forecast or apps for live updates, and consider long exposures or phone night modes since cameras often show color before the eye.
  • The event could produce shortwave radio disruption as well as visible aurora, and it comes as solar activity winds down from a 2024 peak so similar strong events are expected to become less frequent toward 2027.