Storm log › 2026-10-31

Geomagnetic storm G2: October 31, 2026

An automatically generated record of NOAA geomagnetic storm activity for 2026-10-31 (UTC date). Last updated Sat Oct 31, 5:59 PM ET.

Date (UTC)	2026-10-31
Highest Kp so far	6.00
Storm level observed	G2
NOAA watch for this date	G1

What happened

NOAA's planetary Kp index (observed or estimated) reached 6.00 on this date (UTC), which is G2 (moderate) on NOAA's scale. NOAA had issued a watch for G1 (minor) conditions on this date.

watch NOAA's geomagnetic storm watch gives the highest level expected by day (UTC): Oct 30: below G1; Oct 31: G1 (minor); Nov 1: G1 (minor). Issued Thu Oct 29, 3:10 PM ET (2026-10-29 19:10 UTC). NOAA headline: “WATCH: Geomagnetic Storm Category G1 Predicted” · SWPC alerts
warning NOAA warns that Kp 5 conditions are expected, valid until Sat Oct 31, 7:59 PM ET. Issued Sat Oct 31, 3:04 PM ET (2026-10-31 19:04 UTC). NOAA headline: “WARNING: Geomagnetic K-index of 5 expected” · SWPC alerts
alert NOAA reports that Kp 5 was reached (Sat Oct 31, 3:07 PM ET). Issued Sat Oct 31, 3:07 PM ET (2026-10-31 19:07 UTC). NOAA headline: “ALERT: Geomagnetic K-index of 5” · SWPC alerts
warning NOAA warns that Kp 6 conditions are expected, valid until Sat Oct 31, 7:59 PM ET. Issued Sat Oct 31, 3:08 PM ET (2026-10-31 19:08 UTC). NOAA headline: “WARNING: Geomagnetic K-index of 6 expected” · SWPC alerts
alert NOAA reports that Kp 6 was reached (Sat Oct 31, 3:14 PM ET). Issued Sat Oct 31, 3:14 PM ET (2026-10-31 19:14 UTC). NOAA headline: “ALERT: Geomagnetic K-index of 6” · SWPC alerts

Our summaries of NOAA SWPC products (U.S. government work, public domain); headlines quoted from NOAA.

What it means for US viewers

Moderate to strong storm level (G2 (moderate)) possible: the northern US may see it

At Kp 6–7, aurora may be visible from the northern edge of the contiguous US, for example northern-tier states such as Washington, North Dakota, Minnesota, Michigan or Maine, usually low on the northern horizon. Farther south, it is unlikely.

Based on the storm level above, using the rough latitude bands in our Kp index guide.

When to look

For this date, the best chances in the US are after dark on the evening of 2026-10-31 and through that night.

Look after full darkness, especially within an hour or two of local midnight, roughly 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. local time; strong storms can widen that window. In interior Alaska in winter, UAF suggests about 9 p.m. to 3 a.m. Face north, get away from city lights, and give your eyes 15–20 minutes to adapt. A phone camera on a long exposure often shows aurora that looks faint or grey to the eye.

Forecasts are uncertain. Kp forecasts are often wrong about timing and strength. Storms can arrive early, late, weaker or stronger than predicted, and short bursts (substorms) are not captured by a 3-hour average. Even with strong activity you need clear, dark skies: clouds, city lights and a bright moon can hide the aurora completely. This verdict is generated automatically from NOAA data using fixed rules, and is general information only. It is not an official forecast and not for safety or operational decisions. NOAA SWPC is the official U.S. source: see its 30-minute aurora forecast and 3-day forecast.

Right now

This post is a record and may be out of date. For the current outlook see Aurora tonight. Background: Kp index guide · Best US places and times · How to see the northern lights in the US.