Aurora Borealis Tonight: Timing, Display Strength for Oregon, Washington, Coastal Regions

Published 06/01/25 at 8:55 p.m.
By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff

(Manzanita, Oregon) – Last night was a smokin' one for aurora borealis watchers in many parts of the world, even in the slightly cloudy portions of Oregon and Washington. Stellar shots came from Florence's Sutton Lake, eastern Oregon near Echo, and the Depoe Bay area, as well as plenty of Washington State. Above: Northern Lights Saturday night at Boiler Bay, Depoe Bay - Barb Nelson.

See other updates at the Aurora Borealis section of Oregon Coast Weather

The Space Weather Prediction Center in Denver is showing right now (8 p.m.) through 2 a.m. as the best times, where the solar winds are at their strongest. More could well be seen from there through dawn.

Jim Todd, astronomy expert with Portland's OMSI, is optimistic for tonight.

“Will the auroral show continue? It appears we will have another opportunity Sunday night, June 1,” he told Oregon Coast Beach Connection. “Before heading out, check both the aurora and local weather predictions (links below). The predictions can change every 3 to 4 hours.”

- Washington Coast Weather - Oregon Coast Weather  - Inland Oregon Weather - Note: the two Oregon weather pages feature up-to-minute aurora predictions

It's definitely stronger numbers than last night.

SWPC uses UTC time in their predictions and statements, which means you need to subtract seven hours for Pacific time.

Misty Wadzeck caught this last night at Sutton Lake near Florence

“Up to G4 (Severe) geomagnetic storms are likely on 02 Jun due to effects from a CME that left the Sun on 31 May,” the SWPC said. “G1-G2 (Minor-Moderate) geomagnetic storms are likely on 03 Jun due to coronal hole influence.”

The breakdown on timing for Kp index tonight shows it reaching Kp 7 until 8 p.m. That is still very substantial but will be drowned out by twilight. From there through about 11 p.m. it's at its strongest of nearly Kp 8 (a G4 storm). This is near the numbers that created some of the brightest aurora events in 2024.

From 11 p.m. through 2 a.m. and even into dusk it's still over a Kp 6, which gives you more leeway to see the northern lights or photograph it.

Aurora in Bandon courtesy Manuela Durson - Manuela Durson Fine Arts

However, in spite of the strength of the general storm, for mid latitude states like Oregon it's still only predicted a 55% chance you'll see a G3 or G4.

“When it comes to space weather, current geomagnetic conditions can change rapidly and without notice,” Todd said. “The best bet is to take a digital camera (DSLR or advance smartphones) on a tripod and take 3 to 5 seconds exposures towards the northern horizon. If the picture shows some shades of green to red curtain-like images, chances are the auroras are active. Sometimes the auroras are low and faint above the northern horizon, not visible to the naked eye. Auroras can last for a few minutes or a few hours. Move away from city lights and find clear northern horizon to improve your chances to see the northern lights.”

A broader look at Pacific Northwest weather sees “mostly clear” skies tonight from the southern Oregon coast into south Washington coast, and from the valley, I-5 corridor eastward, even into Seattle. The northern Washington coast and parts of the north Oregon coast are looking at partly cloudy skies and even patchy fog later.

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