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Alerts:
Space Weather Message Code: ALTK04
Serial Number: 2620
Issue Time: 2026 Jan 05 0516 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.

Space Weather Message Code: WARK04
Serial Number: 5206
Issue Time: 2026 Jan 04 2207 UTC

WARNING: Geomagnetic K-index of 4 expected
Valid From: 2026 Jan 04 2207 UTC
Valid To: 2026 Jan 05 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: ALTEF3
Serial Number: 3594
Issue Time: 2026 Jan 04 1437 UTC

CONTINUED ALERT: Electron 2MeV Integral Flux exceeded 1000pfu
Continuation of Serial Number: 3593
Begin Time: 2025 Dec 21 1425 UTC
Yesterday Maximum 2MeV Flux: 1940 pfu
Potential Impacts: Satellite systems may experience significant charging resulting in increased risk to satellite systems.


Solar-terrestrial indices for 04 January follow.
Solar flux 157 and estimated planetary A-index 6.
The estimated planetary K-index at 0900 UTC on 05 January was 4.33.

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

No space weather storms are predicted for the next 24 hours.


Geo Magnetic Forecast:

NOAA Ap Index Forecast
Observed Ap 03 Jan 012
Estimated Ap 04 Jan 012
Predicted Ap 05 Jan-07 Jan 010-005-005

NOAA Geomagnetic Activity Probabilities 05 Jan-07 Jan
Active                40/10/10
Minor storm           05/01/01
Moderate storm        01/01/01
Strong-Extreme storm  01/01/01

NOAA Kp index forecast 05 Jan - 07 Jan
             Jan 05    Jan 06    Jan 07
00-03UT        2.67      2.33      1.67
03-06UT        2.00      1.67      1.67
06-09UT        2.33      1.67      1.33
09-12UT        2.33      1.33      1.33
12-15UT        2.33      1.33      1.33
15-18UT        2.33      1.33      1.33
18-21UT        2.33      1.00      1.67
21-00UT        2.67      0.67      1.33


Extended Three Day Forecast:

A. NOAA Geomagnetic Activity Observation and Forecast

The greatest observed 3 hr Kp over the past 24 hours was 2 (below NOAA
Scale levels).
The greatest expected 3 hr Kp for Jan 05-Jan 07 2026 is 3.67 (below NOAA
Scale levels).

NOAA Kp index breakdown Jan 05-Jan 07 2026

             Jan 05       Jan 06       Jan 07
00-03UT       1.67         2.33         1.67
03-06UT       2.67         1.67         1.67
06-09UT       2.33         1.67         1.33
09-12UT       3.67         1.33         1.33
12-15UT       2.33         1.33         1.33
15-18UT       1.00         1.33         1.33
18-21UT       1.33         1.00         1.67
21-00UT       2.67         0.67         1.33

Rationale: No G1 (Minor) or greater geomagnetic storms are expected.

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 Jan 05-Jan 07 2026

              Jan 05  Jan 06  Jan 07
S1 or greater   10%     10%     10%

Rationale: There remains a slight chance for S1 (Minor) or greater solar
radiation storms over 05-07 Jan.

C. NOAA Radio Blackout Activity and Forecast

No radio blackouts were observed over the past 24 hours.

Radio Blackout Forecast for Jan 05-Jan 07 2026

              Jan 05        Jan 06        Jan 07
R1-R2           50%           50%           50%
R3 or greater   10%           10%           10%

Rationale: There exists a chance for R1-R2 (Minor-Moderate) radio
blackouts, with a slight chance for R3 (Strong), over 05-07 Jan.


Extended Space Weather Discussion:

Solar Activity

.24 hr Summary...
Solar activity remained at low levels with weak C-class activity from
Regions 4324 ( N26W40, Cso/beta), 4325 (S08W51, Fko/beta-gamma) and new
Region 4336 (S09E77, Hsx/alpha). Region 4324 showed signs of decay of
its intermediate spots. Region 4333 (S10W26, Dai/beta) continued to
elongate with new intermediate spots emerging. No Earth-direct CMEs were
observed at available coronagraph imagery during the period.

.Forecast...
Solar activity is expected to remain low with a chance for M-class
flares (R1-R2, Minor-Moderate), and a slight chance for isolated X-class
flares (R3-Strong) over 05-07 Jan.

Energetic Particle

.24 hr Summary...
The greater than 2 MeV electron flux reached high levels with a peak of
1,926 pfu at 04/1700 UTC before decreasing to moderate levels. The
greater than 10 MeV proton flux remained at background levels.

.Forecast...
The greater than 2 MeV electron flux is expected to reach high levels
05 Jan and decay back to normal to moderate levels on 06-07 Jan. There
is a slight chance for S1 (Minor) solar radiation storms through 07 Jan.

Solar Wind

.24 hr Summary...
Solar wind parameters returned to near background levels. Solar Wind
speeds remained mostly steady at about 450 km/s. The total magnetic
field strength varied from 4-7 nt while the Bz component varied between
+5 to -3 nT. The phi angle remained mostly in the negative sector. At
about 04/2000-04/2030 UTC, Bt increased to 10 nT and the Bz component
moved southward to -7 nT. Wind speeds increased slightly to 500 km/s.

.Forecast...
Solar wind parameters are expected to be at mostly background levels on
05-07 Jan. Solar wind parameters are expected to slowly return to more
ambient conditions on 05-07 Jan.

Geospace

.24 hr Summary...
The geomagnetic activity was at quiet to unsettled levels.

.Forecast...
The geomagnetic field is expected to be at quiet to isolated active
levels on 05 Jan and mostly quiet levels on 06-7 Jan.


27 Day Forecast:

Date | Radio Flux | Planetary A Index | Largest Kp Index
2026 Jan 05     155          10          3
2026 Jan 06     150           5          2
2026 Jan 07     145           5          2
2026 Jan 08     140           5          2
2026 Jan 09     135           8          3
2026 Jan 10     135           8          3
2026 Jan 11     130           5          2
2026 Jan 12     135          10          3
2026 Jan 13     135          15          5
2026 Jan 14     140          15          5
2026 Jan 15     145           5          2
2026 Jan 16     145           5          2
2026 Jan 17     145          20          5
2026 Jan 18     140          20          5
2026 Jan 19     145          18          5
2026 Jan 20     150          18          5
2026 Jan 21     155           8          3
2026 Jan 22     160           8          3
2026 Jan 23     165           6          2
2026 Jan 24     170           6          2
2026 Jan 25     175           6          2
2026 Jan 26     175           6          2
2026 Jan 27     170           8          3
2026 Jan 28     165          12          4
2026 Jan 29     160          20          5
2026 Jan 30     155          10          3
2026 Jan 31     160           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