Chance of northern lights in Portland, but, of course, it’s raining in July

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicts a chance of the northern lights reaching Northwest Oregon and Southwest Washington on July 29, but rare summer rain clouds are likely to block any views.

The National Weather Service predicts that Monday’s rainstorm will shield the skies from the coast to the Cascades. Stargazers will need to head east of the Cascades for any hopes of catching the northern lights on Monday night.

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<em>The aurora view line for the U.S. on July 29 and 30. (NOAA)</em>
The aurora view line for the U.S. on July 29 and 30. (NOAA)

Monday night’s aurora forecast shows roughly a 10% chance of the borealis reaching the Portland area, Portland’s National Weather Service office told KOIN 6 News. The northern lights’ visibility is also forecast to extend into Washington on Wednesday. However, cloudy conditions are expected to persist until Wednesday.

“[Northwest Oregon] will see more clouds and cooler onshore flow today,” the NWS forecast reads. “By Wednesday, high pressure builds over the Western U.S., bringing warmer temperatures to start August.”

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