Moderate Activity 🌒 12% Updated live

Aurora Forecast for
Columbia Heights Tonight

Current northern lights conditions for Columbia Heights, Minnesota, United States. Latitude 45°N · AACGM-v2 magnetic latitude 53.9°N.

Quick Summary: The estimated northern lights outlook for Columbia Heights peaks at 0% over the next 24 hours. No suitable viewing window.

Aurora forecast

0%

Estimated

Highest estimate · next 24 hours

Viewing window

No suitable viewing window

America/Chicago

Kp index

3.33

Moderate

Planetary geomagnetic activity

Cloud cover

96%

Overcast

Current sky visibility

Aurora

Tonight's Verdict

Low aurora probability in Columbia Heights tonight. Check back tomorrow for updated conditions.

Hourly Forecast · Estimated

19
19:00 — 0%
20:00 — 0%
21:00 — 0%
22:00 — 0%
23:00 — 0%
00:00 — 0%
01
01:00 — 0%
02:00 — 0%
03:00 — 0%
04:00 — 0%
05:00 — 0%
06:00 — 0%
07
07:00 — 0%
08:00 — 0%
09:00 — 0%
10:00 — 0%
11:00 — 0%
12:00 — 0%
13
13:00 — 0%
14:00 — 0%
15:00 — 0%
16:00 — 0%
17:00 — 0%
18:00 — 0%
19:00 UTC01:00 UTC07:00 UTC13:00 UTC18:00 UTC
Time (UTC)Estimated (%)
2026-10-14T19:00:00.000Z0%
2026-10-14T20:00:00.000Z0%
2026-10-14T21:00:00.000Z0%
2026-10-14T22:00:00.000Z0%
2026-10-14T23:00:00.000Z0%
2026-10-15T00:00:00.000Z0%
2026-10-15T01:00:00.000Z0%
2026-10-15T02:00:00.000Z0%
2026-10-15T03:00:00.000Z0%
2026-10-15T04:00:00.000Z0%
2026-10-15T05:00:00.000Z0%
2026-10-15T06:00:00.000Z0%
2026-10-15T07:00:00.000Z0%
2026-10-15T08:00:00.000Z0%
2026-10-15T09:00:00.000Z0%
2026-10-15T10:00:00.000Z0%
2026-10-15T11:00:00.000Z0%
2026-10-15T12:00:00.000Z0%
2026-10-15T13:00:00.000Z0%
2026-10-15T14:00:00.000Z0%
2026-10-15T15:00:00.000Z0%
2026-10-15T16:00:00.000Z0%
2026-10-15T17:00:00.000Z0%
2026-10-15T18:00:00.000Z0%
How to read this forecast

The next 24 hours use calculated local darkness and a retained aurora activity heuristic. They are not a measured or statistically calibrated chance of seeing aurora. Aggregate cloud cover is held constant unless a timed weather forecast is available.

Generated 2026-10-14T18:30:20.786Z. Kp: fresh · observation 2026-10-14T18:00:00.000Z. Cloud: fresh · cache refresh 2026-10-14T18:00:25.493+00:00. Overall model: estimated.

Window: No suitable viewing window. A dash marks a missing input; zero means the model found no visibility under the supplied conditions.

27-Day Forecast

App Exclusive

Unlock 27-Day Forecast

Get extended forecasts, push alerts, and cloud cover maps for Columbia Heights in the Aurora Hunt app.

Oct 15

Kp Index •••
Probability •••
Cloud Cover •••

Oct 16

Kp Index •••
Probability •••
Cloud Cover •••

Oct 17

Kp Index •••
Probability •••
Cloud Cover •••

About Aurora Viewing in Columbia Heights

Columbia Heights, United States, is at 45°N. Aurora visibility depends on local conditions as well as geomagnetic activity. Its verified magnetic latitude is 53.9°N; Kp 5–7 is an approximate screening range, not a visibility probability. Even favourable activity can be hidden by clouds or daylight. Find a dark, open northern horizon and check the sky before travelling.

Follow forecasts, cloud maps and aurora alerts for Columbia Heights in Aurora Hunt, then confirm darkness, local cloud and access before going outside.

Related Aurora Guides

📡

Northern Lights Tonight in the US: Live Forecast & Radar

Use live Bz, solar wind, cloud corridors, moonlight, horizon checks and safety cutoffs to decide if the aurora is visible tonight in the US.

🇺🇸

Where to See the Northern Lights in the US | Complete Guide

Separate Alaska from lower-48 storm chasing with practical Kp, Bz, dark-sky, cloud and northern-horizon guidance for US aurora nights.

🇺🇸

Northern Lights in Alaska: Fairbanks Viewing Guide (2026)

Plan a Fairbanks aurora trip with realistic guidance on ice fog, elevated viewpoints, cold-weather logistics, road safety and when not to drive.

View all educational guides

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you see aurora in Columbia Heights tonight?
Aurora visibility in Columbia Heights depends on geomagnetic activity (Kp index), cloud cover, and darkness. At 45.0°N latitude, Columbia Heights typically needs a Kp index of 5–7 for visible aurora. Check the real-time forecast above for tonight's conditions.
What time is best to see northern lights in Columbia Heights?
The best time to see aurora in Columbia Heights is typically between 10 PM and 2 AM local time, when skies are darkest. Aurora can appear any time after astronomical twilight, but peak activity usually occurs around local midnight.
Where to watch aurora in Columbia Heights?
For the best aurora viewing in Columbia Heights, find a location away from city light pollution with a clear view to the north. Dark areas outside the city center, elevated viewpoints, and spots near water are ideal. Check cloud cover before heading out.
What Kp index is needed to see aurora in Columbia Heights?
Columbia Heights is at 45.0°N latitude and typically requires a Kp index of 5–7 for visible aurora. Higher Kp values mean stronger geomagnetic storms and better aurora visibility, even at lower latitudes.
Is Columbia Heights, United States a good place to see northern lights?
Columbia Heights can see aurora during strong geomagnetic storms. Located at 45.0°N, aurora is visible when Kp index reaches 5–7 or higher.

Nearby Aurora Destinations

Saint Anthony

45°N View →

Fridley

45.1°N View →

New Brighton

45.1°N View →

Robbinsdale

45°N View →

Minneapolis

45°N View →

Brooklyn Center

45.1°N View →

Never Miss the Aurora in Columbia Heights

Keep northern lights forecasts, cloud maps and aurora alerts for Columbia Heights together in Aurora Hunt. Check the local sky before heading outside.

Data-backed forecasts Alerts in seconds Cosmic insights
Aurora Hunt

Unlock alerts for Columbia Heights