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Alerts:
Space Weather Message Code: ALTEF3
Serial Number: 3678
Issue Time: 2026 Apr 17 0731 UTC

CONTINUED ALERT: Electron 2MeV Integral Flux exceeded 1000pfu
Continuation of Serial Number: 3677
Begin Time: 2026 Apr 03 0920 UTC
Yesterday Maximum 2MeV Flux: 2407 pfu
Potential Impacts: Satellite systems may experience significant charging resulting in increased risk to satellite systems.

Space Weather Message Code: WATA20
Serial Number: 1108
Issue Time: 2026 Apr 16 2209 UTC

WATCH: Geomagnetic Storm Category G1 Predicted
Highest Storm Level Predicted by Day:
Apr 17:  G2 (Moderate)   Apr 18:  G2 (Moderate)   Apr 19:  G1 (Minor)
THIS SUPERSEDES ANY/ALL PRIOR WATCHES IN EFFECT
www.swpc.noaa.gov/noaa-scales-explanation
Potential Impacts: Area of impact primarily poleward of 60 degrees Geomagnetic Latitude.
Induced Currents - Weak power grid fluctuations can occur.
Spacecraft - Minor impact on satellite operations possible.
Aurora - Aurora may be visible at high latitudes, i.e., northern tier of the U.S. such as northern Michigan and Maine.

Space Weather Message Code: ALTEF3
Serial Number: 3677
Issue Time: 2026 Apr 16 1323 UTC

CONTINUED ALERT: Electron 2MeV Integral Flux exceeded 1000pfu
Continuation of Serial Number: 3676
Begin Time: 2026 Apr 03 0920 UTC
Yesterday Maximum 2MeV Flux: 3248 pfu
Potential Impacts: Satellite systems may experience significant charging resulting in increased risk to satellite systems.


Solar-terrestrial indices for 16 April follow.
Solar flux 108 and estimated planetary A-index 3.
The estimated planetary K-index at 1200 UTC on 17 April was 1.00.

No space weather storms were observed for the past 24 hours.

Space weather for the next 24 hours is predicted to be moderate.
Geomagnetic storms reaching the G2 level are likely.


Geo Magnetic Forecast:

NOAA Ap Index Forecast
Observed Ap 15 Apr 004
Estimated Ap 16 Apr 004
Predicted Ap 17 Apr-19 Apr 020-040-025

NOAA Geomagnetic Activity Probabilities 17 Apr-19 Apr
Active                15/10/20
Minor storm           30/35/40
Moderate storm        35/35/25
Strong-Extreme storm  20/20/05

NOAA Kp index forecast 17 Apr - 19 Apr
             Apr 17    Apr 18    Apr 19
00-03UT        2.33      6.00      5.00
03-06UT        2.67      6.00      4.67
06-09UT        2.67      5.00      4.00
09-12UT        2.00      4.00      3.33
12-15UT        1.33      3.67      3.67
15-18UT        2.67      3.33      3.00
18-21UT        4.33      3.00      3.00
21-00UT        5.67      4.33      3.33


Extended Three Day Forecast:

A. NOAA Geomagnetic Activity Observation and Forecast

The greatest observed 3 hr Kp over the past 24 hours was 1 (below NOAA
Scale levels).
The greatest expected 3 hr Kp for Apr 17-Apr 19 2026 is 6.00 (NOAA Scale
G2).

NOAA Kp index breakdown Apr 17-Apr 19 2026

             Apr 17       Apr 18       Apr 19
00-03UT       0.67         6.00 (G2)    5.00 (G1)
03-06UT       0.67         6.00 (G2)    4.67 (G1)
06-09UT       2.67         5.00 (G1)    4.00
09-12UT       2.00         4.00         3.33
12-15UT       1.33         3.67         3.67
15-18UT       2.67         3.33         3.00
18-21UT       4.33         3.00         3.00
21-00UT       5.67 (G2)    4.33         3.33

Rationale: G2 (Moderate) geomagnetic storms are likely on 17-18 Apr due
to the anticipated CH HSS influences. G1 (Minor) storming levels are
likely on 19 Apr as the CH HSS influences wanes.

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 17-Apr 19 2026

              Apr 17  Apr 18  Apr 19
S1 or greater    1%      1%      1%

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

No radio blackouts were observed over the past 24 hours.

Radio Blackout Forecast for Apr 17-Apr 19 2026

              Apr 17        Apr 18        Apr 19
R1-R2           25%           25%           25%
R3 or greater    5%            5%            5%

Rationale: There is a chance for R1-R2 (Minor-Moderate) radio blackouts
through the 19 Apr mostly due to the flaring potential of Region 4419.


Extended Space Weather Discussion:

Solar Activity

.24 hr Summary...
Solar activity was at low levels. The majority of flaring activity was
from Region 4419 (N13E29, Eki/beta-gamma). The largest flare was a C4.1
at 17/0442 UTC from Region 4419. Slight growth and consolidation was
observed in the region. Slight growth was observed in the intermediate
area of Region 4416 (N20W64, Dso/beta).

No Earth directed CMEs were observed in coronagraph imagery.

.Forecast...
Solar activity is expected to be low with a chance for M-class (R1-R2,
Minor-Moderate) flare on 17-19 Apr primarily due to the flare potential
of Region 4419.

Energetic Particle

.24 hr Summary...
Electrons greater than 2 MeV at geosynchronous orbit reached high levels
with a peak of 2,407 pfu observed at 16/1710 UTC. The greater than 10
MeV proton flux was at background levels.

.Forecast...
The greater than 2 MeV electron flux is expected to reach high levels on
17 and 19 Apr. A brief drop to moderate levels is expected on 18 Apr
with the arrival of a negative polarity CH HSS. The greater than 10 MeV
proton flux is expected to continue at background levels on 17-19 Apr.

Solar Wind

.24 hr Summary...
Solar wind parameters continued at nominal levels - although anomalous
data spikes have existed through the period. Total field ranged from 4-6
nT while the Bz component was between +4/-3 nT. Phi angle was oriented
in a positive sector.

.Forecast...
Solar wind parameters are expected to become enhanced by mid to late on
17 Apr with the arrival of a CIR followed by negative polarity CH HSS
activity. Solar wind speed ranging from 600-700 km/s are likely based on
recurrent values. Enhanced conditions are expected to persist through 19
Apr.

Geospace

.24 hr Summary...
The geomagnetic field was quiet.

.Forecast...
The geomagnetic field is expected to be quiet to unsettled through early
on 17 Apr. By mid to late on 17 Apr, CH HSS activity is expected to
cause unsettled to active periods with G1-G2 (Minor-Moderate)
geomagnetic storming likely. Unsettled to G2 (Moderate) levels are
expected to continue through 18 Apr followed by unsettled to G1 (Minor)
conditions on 19 Apr as HSS effects persist.


27 Day Forecast:

Date | Radio Flux | Planetary A Index | Largest Kp Index
2026 Apr 13      95           8          3
2026 Apr 14      90           8          3
2026 Apr 15     100          12          3
2026 Apr 16     105           8          3
2026 Apr 17     110           5          2
2026 Apr 18     110          15          3
2026 Apr 19     110          20          4
2026 Apr 20     120          12          4
2026 Apr 21     130          10          3
2026 Apr 22     140           8          3
2026 Apr 23     145           5          2
2026 Apr 24     145           8          3
2026 Apr 25     140          12          4
2026 Apr 26     140          10          3
2026 Apr 27     140           5          2
2026 Apr 28     140           5          2
2026 Apr 29     135          20          5
2026 Apr 30     130          18          5
2026 May 01     125          12          4
2026 May 02     125          10          3
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          4
2026 May 08      90          15          3
2026 May 09      90           8          3


  • 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