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Alerts:
Space Weather Message Code: WARK04
Serial Number: 5329
Issue Time: 2026 Apr 26 1147 UTC

EXTENDED WARNING: Geomagnetic K-index of 4 expected
Extension to Serial Number: 5328
Valid From: 2026 Apr 26 0359 UTC
Now Valid Until: 2026 Apr 26 2359 UTC
Warning Condition: Persistence
www.swpc.noaa.gov/noaa-scales-explanation
Potential Impacts: Area of impact primarily poleward of 65 degrees Geomagnetic Latitude.
Induced Currents - Weak power grid fluctuations can occur.
Aurora - Aurora may be visible at high latitudes such as Canada and Alaska.

Space Weather Message Code: WARK04
Serial Number: 5328
Issue Time: 2026 Apr 26 0601 UTC

WARNING: Geomagnetic K-index of 4 expected
Valid From: 2026 Apr 26 0359 UTC
Valid To: 2026 Apr 26 1200 UTC
Warning Condition: Onset
www.swpc.noaa.gov/noaa-scales-explanation
Potential Impacts: Area of impact primarily poleward of 65 degrees Geomagnetic Latitude.
Induced Currents - Weak power grid fluctuations can occur.
Aurora - Aurora may be visible at high latitudes such as Canada and Alaska.

Space Weather Message Code: ALTK04
Serial Number: 2652
Issue Time: 2026 Apr 26 0559 UTC

ALERT: Geomagnetic K-index of 4
Synoptic Period: 0300-0600 UTC
Active Warning: Yes
www.swpc.noaa.gov/noaa-scales-explanation
Potential Impacts: Area of impact primarily poleward of 65 degrees Geomagnetic Latitude.
Induced Currents - Weak power grid fluctuations can occur.
Aurora - Aurora may be visible at high latitudes such as Canada and Alaska.


Solar-terrestrial indices for 25 April follow.
Solar flux 148 and estimated planetary A-index 9.
The estimated planetary K-index at 1500 UTC on 26 April was 1.67.

Space weather for the past 24 hours has been minor.
Radio blackouts reaching the R1 level occurred.

Space weather for the next 24 hours is predicted to be moderate.
Geomagnetic storms reaching the G1 level are likely.
Radio blackouts reaching the R2 level are likely.


Geo Magnetic Forecast:

NOAA Ap Index Forecast
Observed Ap 24 Apr 009
Estimated Ap 25 Apr 014
Predicted Ap 26 Apr-28 Apr 020-014-008

NOAA Geomagnetic Activity Probabilities 26 Apr-28 Apr
Active                30/45/20
Minor storm           45/10/01
Moderate storm        05/01/01
Strong-Extreme storm  01/01/01

NOAA Kp index forecast 26 Apr - 28 Apr
             Apr 26    Apr 27    Apr 28
00-03UT        4.67      3.67      2.33
03-06UT        4.33      3.00      2.00
06-09UT        3.33      2.67      2.00
09-12UT        3.33      2.33      2.00
12-15UT        2.33      2.00      2.33
15-18UT        2.33      2.33      2.00
18-21UT        3.00      3.33      2.00
21-00UT        3.33      3.33      2.00


Extended Three Day Forecast:

A. NOAA Geomagnetic Activity Observation and Forecast

The greatest observed 3 hr Kp over the past 24 hours was 4 (below NOAA
Scale levels).
The greatest expected 3 hr Kp for Apr 26-Apr 28 2026 is 5.00 (NOAA Scale
G1).

NOAA Kp index breakdown Apr 26-Apr 28 2026

             Apr 26       Apr 27       Apr 28
00-03UT       2.67         3.67         2.67
03-06UT       3.67         3.00         2.67
06-09UT       2.67         2.67         2.33
09-12UT       3.67         2.33         2.00
12-15UT       3.00         2.00         2.00
15-18UT       3.00         2.33         1.67
18-21UT       3.33         3.33         2.00
21-00UT       5.00 (G1)    3.33         2.00

Rationale: Isolated G1 (Minor) geomagnetic storming conditions are
likely on 26 Apr in response to +CH HSS influence combined with the
anticipated arrival of the glancing CMEs from 23-24 Apr.

B. NOAA Solar Radiation Activity Observation and Forecast

Solar radiation, as observed by NOAA GOES-18 over the past 24 hours, was
below S-scale storm level thresholds.

Solar Radiation Storm Forecast for Apr 26-Apr 28 2026

              Apr 26  Apr 27  Apr 28
S1 or greater    5%      5%      5%

Rationale: No S1 (Minor) or greater solar radiation storms are expected.
No significant active region activity favorable for radiation storm
production is forecast.

C. NOAA Radio Blackout Activity and Forecast

Radio blackouts reaching the R1 levels were observed over the past 24
hours. The largest was at Apr 26 2026 0023 UTC.

Radio Blackout Forecast for Apr 26-Apr 28 2026

              Apr 26        Apr 27        Apr 28
R1-R2           55%           55%           55%
R3 or greater   10%           10%           10%

Rationale: R1-R2 (Minor-Moderate) radio blackouts are likely, with a
slight chance for R3 (Strong or greater) events through 28 Apr.


Extended Space Weather Discussion:

Solar Activity

.24 hr Summary...
Solar activity was at moderate levels following a pair of M-class flares
from Region 4425 (N04E55, Dai/beta-gamma). The first was an impulsive
M1.1/Sf flare at 25/1430 UTC, and the second was an M1.3 flare at
26/0023 UTC. This region added a couple of low level C-class flares as
well.

There are currently seven numbered regions on the visible disk. Region
4420 (N16W09, Ekc/beta-gamma) added a few more intermediate spots while
continuing to grow in overall length. Region 4424 (N15E24, Dsi/beta)
exhibited growth in its intermediate and trailing spots. Region 4425
rotated further into view, though limb proximity continues to hinder
full characterization of its extent and magnetic complexity. All other
regions were either stable or in slight decay.

No Earth-directed CMEs were observed in available coronagraph imagery.

.Forecast...
Solar activity is expected to be at low levels, with M-class flares
(R1/R2-Minor/Moderate) likely, and a slight chance for X-class
(R3/Strong or greater) flares through 28 Apr.


Energetic Particle

.24 hr Summary...
The greater than 2 MeV electron flux at geosynchronous orbit was at low
to moderate levels with a peak of 403 pfu at 25/1910 UTC. The greater
than 10 MeV proton flux at geosynchronous orbit was slightly elevated,
but remained near background levels.

.Forecast...
The greater than 2 MeV electron flux is expected to be at moderate
levels on 26-27 Apr, likely increasing to high levels by 28 Apr. The
greater than 10 MeV proton flux is expected to remain at background
levels.


Solar Wind

.24 hr Summary...
Solar wind parameters were indicative of a positive polarity CH HSS
regime, with possible transient influences intertwined. Near-background
levels started off the period, with total field around 5 nT, Bz was
mostly positive, and wind speeds averaged below 400 km/s. Enhancements
were noted starting at around 25/1900 UTC, possibly signaling the
glancing influence of the 23 Apr CME. Total magnetic field increased to
12 nT, the Bz component observed a southward deflection to -9 nT, and
solar wind speed increased to ~450 km/s. There was also a transient
rotation into a negative orientation in the phi angle, which was
otherwise predominantly positive throughout the period. An additional
enhancement was noted at approximately 26/0315 UTC when total field
increased to 14 nT, Bz simultaneously deviated to -13 nT, and wind
speeds began to increase, eventually reaching a peak of ~500 km/s,
possibly indicating another transient interaction.

.Forecast...
Further enhancements in the solar wind environment are anticipated on
26-27 Apr due to +CH HSS influence combined with anticipated glancing
influences from the 23-24 Apr CMEs. Barring additional CME interactions,
a return to near background levels is expected by 28 Apr.

Geospace

.24 hr Summary...
The geomagnetic field was quiet to unsettled with a couple of isolated
active periods.

.Forecast...
Isolated G1 (Minor) geomagnetic storming conditions are likely on 26 Apr
in response to +CH HSS influence combined with the anticipated arrival
of the aforementioned glancing CMEs. Quiet to unsettled conditions are
expected, with isolated active periods likely, on 27 Apr as CME/CH HSS
influences persist but subside. A return to mostly quiet conditions,
with possible isolated unsettled levels, is expected by 28 Apr, barring
additional CME interactions.


27 Day Forecast:

Date | Radio Flux | Planetary A Index | Largest Kp Index
2026 Apr 20     105          18          4
2026 Apr 21     110          15          4
2026 Apr 22     120           8          3
2026 Apr 23     125           5          2
2026 Apr 24     120           8          3
2026 Apr 25     115           8          3
2026 Apr 26     120           5          2
2026 Apr 27     125           5          2
2026 Apr 28     125           5          2
2026 Apr 29     125          20          5
2026 Apr 30     125          18          5
2026 May 01     125          12          4
2026 May 02     125          10          4
2026 May 03     115           8          3
2026 May 04     108           8          3
2026 May 05     105           5          2
2026 May 06     100           5          2
2026 May 07      95          20          5
2026 May 08      90          15          4
2026 May 09      90           8          3
2026 May 10      95           5          2
2026 May 11     100           5          2
2026 May 12     105           5          2
2026 May 13     110           5          2
2026 May 14     110           5          2
2026 May 15     105          25          5
2026 May 16     105          20          5


  • GRAPH OPTIONS: Learn more
    It is recommended that you start out with the default options. As you get used to AF you can disable additional information and combine data series' together to maxamise the use of screen space.

  • DATA SOURCES: Learn more
    Some data sources can only be enabled or disabled via the tick box. Others are disabled using the slider set to 0, or enabled by setting the slider from 0.5 to 4. This number also represents the thinkness of the line plot onto the graph.

  • 'The' Aurora Forecast Index: Learn more
    These are two good options for predicting Auroras.

    The Aurora Forecast Index takes into account many data sources. As a general rule if it stays high for many hours there is a good possibility of an Aurora present.

    Aurora Forecast website usage is also a good indicator, as visitors to the site come from many traffic sources. General internet and community chatter transplating to visits is a great indicator.

  • Planatary K Index (Kp): Learn more
    The Kp number is a system of measuring aurora strength. The range goes from 0 to 9 (0 being calm, 1 very weak, all the way up to 9, which would represent a major geomagnetic storm with strong auroras visible).

    Kp 5 and above is classified as a geomagnetic storm. Most Aurora Hunters consider prolonged 3+ or higher worth investigation.

  • Ovation (Model) Short Term Forecast (GW):' Learn more
    The Ovation-Prime Model produced by SWPC calculates the energy interacting with the Earths magnetic field. This is a good indicator for Aurora activity.
  • DSCOVR Observatory (L1): Learn more

    The DSCOVR or Deep Space Climate Obervatory sits 1.5 million Kilometers from Earth, between the Earth and the Sun in the L1 orbit point, the neutral gravity point between the Earth and the Sun. DSCOVR provides space weather readings, allowing for up to an hour of warning on weather events. This is why DSCOVR's data appears in the future on the graph.

    Strong negative Bz direction is linked to Aurora's because the solar wind magnetic direction is in direct oposition with the Earths magnetic field.

  • ACE Observatory (L1): Learn more

    ACE or Advanced Composition Explorer sits 1.5 million Kilometers from Earth, between the Earth and the Sun in the L1 orbit point, the neutral gravity point between the Earth and the Sun. ACE has now been replaced by DSCOVR, but the data is still useful for comparing to DSCOVR.
  • GOES Satalites: Learn more

    GOES or Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellites sit 46 Kilometers above the Earth in geostationary orbit. They provide local space weather data and are a good indicator for current geomagnetic conditions.

  • Terrestrial Magnetometer Sources: Learn more
    Terrestrial or surface magnetometers detect fluctuations in the Earths magnetic field from the ground.
    These do not work as well as satalites as the magnetic field obsorbs some of the effects from the solar winds.
    There is a mix of govenment and citizen science stations listed here, including two run by Aurora Forecast in Hobart.
  • User Magnetometer ID's: Learn more
    If you have a TAFS Magnetometer and you want to add it to the graph you can do it here.
    Insent your Mag's Unique ID.

 

v4.16b

Aurora Forecast is free to use, however it takes a lot of time and effort to maintain. If you find it useful and are a regular user then please consider making a donation to keep it running. Feedback is always welcome.


v4.X Release 17th Dec 2020)
Fixed New GOES and HPI inputs from noaa for Json (17/12/20).
Addded the ability to add 2 custom Magnetometers in settings (comming soon) (18/10/19).
Improved Hobart Magnetometer code. (18/18/19)
Move all presets into their own pop out side menu. (19/06/19)
Added Composite weather maps (TAS, VIC and SA), thanks to Oz forecast! (19/06/19)
UI Upgrades, Name, Logo and Website Site Changes.
Added custom line widths for most items.
Added GOES Difference (#1 - #2)
Added Ovation-prime model outputs.

v3.8x
Various Updates, New AF Index Algo. (8/12/18)

v3.6x
Added more Presets. Disabled Presets overwriting graph views (6/7/18)
Added GeoSpace Kp Model Prediction. (3/7/18)
Added SWPC Kp Forecast + Observation. (2/7/18)
Removed WingKP and USKp. :( No longer Avaliable. (2/7/18)
Removed feed from www.dunedinaurora.nz (Unreliable). (2/7/18)
Updates to latest JQuery, JQuery Mobile and AmCharts etc. (2/7/18)
Enhanced Pro setting with Dynamic Preasure. (2/7/18)
Added Quickselect preset buttons to main page. (2/7/18)
 
v3.5x
Added Ruru Observatory Magnetometer. (25/4/28)
Added Forecast Sub Tabset. (1/3/18)
Added Extended Discussion Text, 27Day FC (1/3/18)
Removed Dial, and Added Forecast Report. (28/2/18)
Updated A few settings for better visilation. (28/2/18)
Updated Goes-13 is Now Goes-14 (15/2/18)
Improved Commmunity Activity for faster loads.
Consolidated Proton Density / Dynamic Preasure.
Added Additional Balloon Text.
Added TAFS Visual Probability in %.
User Interface Upgrades.
Add 'Dial' for the basics, with default support.
Added one click presets.
 
v2.1 - v2.49
Added 'Automatic Chart Update' option in settings.
Database caching enabled, significant load time improvements.
Extension to max 96 hours of data, up from 24.
Added ACE Bt,Bx and By for comparison.
Added More User Presets.
Fixed Orentation Change Alert.
Small layout changes.
Added Header Image.
Removed Top Header to fee up Space, Refresh added to Chart Tab.
Added Community Activity Indicator
Fixed MAG value issues in graph.
Added Second Hobart MAG Source.
Updated Comment Features (Disable).
 
v2.0
Fixed DSCOVR B? display bug.
Added MAG Stack Feature.
Upgrade to json feeds.
Feeds are timezone and forecast aware, making them super fast.
DB Optimisation, improved DB search times.
Charts are now zoomable, allow selection and export.
Added USAF Kp, Updated Wing Kp.
Added Ovation Aurora Short Term Forecast.
Added Macquarie Island MAG feed.
Added Mawson MAG Feed.
Added Canberra Feed.
Added MAG feed from www.dunedinaurora.nz (Portobello).
Added Brendan's experemental MAG feed (Hobart).
Fixed cookie bug, One Alert is enough for landscape mode.
 
> v1.0 (Started 20/10/2014)

  Mawson and Macquarie Island data is copyright Commonwealth of Australia (Geoscience Australia), and redistributed under Creative Commons v4.
Thanks to INTERMAGNET for promoting high standards of magnetic observatory practice in providing access to these feeds. (www.intermagnet.org).

Local Australian weather composite maps provided by Oz Forecast


Aurora Forecast is free to use, however it takes a lot of time and effort to maintain.
Why not make a donation to keep it running?
Feedback is always welcome. - ©2022 Brendan Davey