Will Portland see the northern lights? What to know about the weather forecast

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — A severe geomagnetic storm could bring the northern lights to the Pacific Northwest and much of the rest of the county Sunday night and into Monday morning.

The recent burst of solar activity has sparked the potential for some aurora sightings not only in Washington and Oregon, but 22 other states as well.

But with Portland’s penchant for cloudy skies, will the metro area see the auroras?

According to the KOIN 6 Weather Team, Northwest Oregon and Southwest Washington should expect mostly sunny skies as those daytime highs stay slightly above the seasonal average of 72 degrees over the next three days.

This will also mean mostly clear nights in the 50s in the forecast, including Sunday, which will make for prime viewing when the auroras are grace the skies.

All of this is thanks to a high pressure system that’s over the Pacific Northwest. This has led to some higher elevation clouds inland, while some parts of the coast could see lower elevation clouds, according to the National Weather Service’s Portland office.

As far as where you can best see the auroras, NWS Portland recommends locations away from city lights looking to the north, with the peak viewing times between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m.

If you happen to snap any photos or videos of Sunday night’s northern lights, you send them to news@koin.com.