Oregon Coast, Valley and Likely Washington to Get Some Aurora Borealis This AM

Published 04/15/25 - Update at 11:29 p.m.
By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff

(Salem, Oregon) – [UPDATES: Stronger Storm as of 10 p.m. ....Possibility of stronger storm Wed] - A category G2 [now G3] geomagnetic storm is hitting the Earth right now during daylight hours, and the tail end of its visibility range will put in front those in Oregon and definitely Washington. (Above: Seeing the aurora borealis from Newport may be possible. Photo Newport Parks and Rec)

Timing is very late this coming morning, closer to dawn – and you'll definitely need a camera. Although it is worth checking after midnight.

The Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC) said most of the impact will north of 55 degrees Geomagnetic Latitude.

“Aurora may be seen as low as New York to Wisconsin to Washington state,” the SWPC said.

It's mostly minor to moderate storm conditions, making these northern lights too faint to see with human eyes, although those on the northern Washington coast and near Seattle are more likely to get a glimpse.

UPDATES: Scientists say two CME's (coronal mass ejections) may coincide tomorrow. Update 10 p.m. "A G3 (Strong) geomagnetic storm Watch has been issued for 16 Apr 2025 due to the arrival of multiple coronal mass ejections that left the Sun on 13."

Updates here at Inland Oregon Weather and Oregon Coast Weather

"Strong (G3) storm conditions possible within the next 24 hours due to the combined effects of two ejections," said Solarham.com. See Oregon Coast Beach Connection's news page for any updates on that on Wednesday.

SEE - Washington Coast Weather - Oregon Coast Weather  - Inland Oregon Weather

Jim Todd, astronomy expert with OMSI, is cautiously optimistic.

“Will the auroral show be visible for Oregon?,” he said. “The storm is strong at the moment during broad daylight. Will there still the storms still be visible tonight? Before heading out, check both the aurora and local weather forecast.”

There's definitely hope for this area.

“Looking at the current predictions, the chance of seeing the Northern Lights for Oregon (mid latitude 7KP or higher) indicates MINOR for next 24 to 48 hours,” Todd said. “The weather forecast for the Willamette Valley is favorable with mostly clear but hazy skies. Central Oregon will be mostly clear. The waning gibbous moon will be a semi-factor for the predawn skies. “

Luckily, for us in Oregon, the lights don't have to be directly overhead to be visible; when conditions are favorable and the aurora is particularly bright, it can be observed from as far as 600 miles away.

Oregon Coast Lighthouse Tours 2025: What's Open, What Isn't - Port Orford, Bandon, Florence, Newport, Oceanside

That puts many parts of the Oregon coast – even the southern stretch – within the range of possibilities. The north Washington coast through Idaho are likely to get a show.

Bandon Photo Manuela Durson - Manuela Durson Fine Arts

In the graphics from NOAA, brightness and position of the aurora are typically represented as a green oval centered around Earth's magnetic pole. When the aurora is expected to intensify, these green ovals turn red. The sunlit portion of Earth appears with lighter hues, when aurora lights cannot be seen.

Your best bet is to use an advanced camera and tripod and take 3- to 5-second shorts towards the north.

Auroras can be around for a few minutes or maybe hours, but they likely change rather quickly. See full forecast at NOAA Aurora Forecast

Oregon Coast Hotels for this event - South Coast Hotels - Oregon Coast Vacation Rentals - Where to eat - Maps - Virtual Tours

MORE PHOTOS BELOW

Manuela Durson - Manuela Durson Fine Arts

More About Oregon Coast hotels, lodging.....

More About Oregon Coast Restaurants, Dining.....

Andre' GW Hagestedt is editor, owner and primary photographer / videographer of Oregon Coast Beach Connection, an online publication that sees over 1 million pageviews per month. He is also author of several books about the coast.

LATEST Related Oregon Coast Articles

Back to Oregon Coast

Contact Advertise on Oregon Coast Beach Connection
All Content, unless otherwise attributed, copyright © Oregon Coast Beach Connection. Unauthorized use or publication is not permitted