Topline A few northern states may be able to see the northern lights tonight, according to the latest forecast by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, which also suggests these states may be able to see the aurora over the weekend. A handful of states may be able to see the northern lights tonight. No geomagnetic storms, which typically strengthen the northern lights display, are expected Thursday night or over the weekend, according to NOAA’s forecast. Thursday night's northern lights forecast. The high level of solar activity surpassed scientists’ expectations, and NASA said the northern lights hit a 500-year peak in 2024.