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Weather: TAS
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Alerts:
Space Weather Message Code: ALTK05
Serial Number: 2013
Issue Time: 2026 Apr 30 2359 UTC

ALERT: Geomagnetic K-index of 5
Synoptic Period: 2100-2400 UTC
Active Warning: Yes
NOAA Scale: G1 - Minor
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: WARK04
Serial Number: 5332
Issue Time: 2026 Apr 30 2311 UTC

EXTENDED WARNING: Geomagnetic K-index of 4 expected
Extension to Serial Number: 5331
Valid From: 2026 Apr 30 2005 UTC
Now Valid Until: 2026 May 01 1500 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: WARK05
Serial Number: 2230
Issue Time: 2026 Apr 30 2309 UTC

WARNING: Geomagnetic K-index of 5 expected
Valid From: 2026 Apr 30 2309 UTC
Valid To: 2026 May 01 0900 UTC
Warning Condition: Onset
NOAA Scale: G1 - Minor
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: ALTK04
Serial Number: 2653
Issue Time: 2026 Apr 30 2035 UTC

ALERT: Geomagnetic K-index of 4
Synoptic Period: 1800-2100 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: 5331
Issue Time: 2026 Apr 30 2006 UTC

WARNING: Geomagnetic K-index of 4 expected
Valid From: 2026 Apr 30 2005 UTC
Valid To: 2026 May 01 0600 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.


Solar-terrestrial indices for 30 April follow.
Solar flux 143 and estimated planetary A-index 15.
The estimated planetary K-index at 0900 UTC on 01 May was 3.00.

Space weather for the past 24 hours has been minor.
Geomagnetic storms reaching the G1 level occurred.

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


Geo Magnetic Forecast:

NOAA Ap Index Forecast
Observed Ap 29 Apr 004
Estimated Ap 30 Apr 010
Predicted Ap 01 May-03 May 012-008-012

NOAA Geomagnetic Activity Probabilities 01 May-03 May
Active                50/15/50
Minor storm           15/05/15
Moderate storm        05/01/05
Strong-Extreme storm  01/01/01

NOAA Kp index forecast 01 May - 03 May
             May 01    May 02    May 03
00-03UT        3.00      2.33      2.33
03-06UT        3.00      2.33      1.67
06-09UT        2.67      2.33      1.33
09-12UT        2.67      2.33      2.33
12-15UT        2.00      2.00      2.67
15-18UT        2.00      2.00      3.00
18-21UT        2.67      2.00      3.33
21-00UT        2.67      2.00      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 5 (NOAA Scale
G1).
The greatest expected 3 hr Kp for May 01-May 03 2026 is 4.67 (NOAA Scale
G1).

NOAA Kp index breakdown May 01-May 03 2026

             May 01       May 02       May 03
00-03UT       2.67         2.33         2.33
03-06UT       3.00         2.33         1.67
06-09UT       4.67 (G1)    2.33         1.33
09-12UT       2.67         2.33         2.33
12-15UT       3.67         2.00         2.67
15-18UT       2.00         2.00         3.00
18-21UT       2.00         2.00         3.33
21-00UT       1.67         2.00         3.33

Rationale: G1 (Minor) geomagnetic storms are expected on 01 May due to
influence from a negative polarity coronal hole.

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 May 01-May 03 2026

              May 01  May 02  May 03
S1 or greater   10%     10%     10%

Rationale: There exists a slight chance for S1 (Minor) or greater solar
radiation storms over 01-03 May.

C. NOAA Radio Blackout Activity and Forecast

No radio blackouts were observed over the past 24 hours.

Radio Blackout Forecast for May 01-May 03 2026

              May 01        May 02        May 03
R1-R2           50%           50%           50%
R3 or greater   10%           10%           10%

Rationale: A chance exists for R1-R2 (Minor-Moderate) radio blackouts,
with a slight chance for R3 (Strong), over 01-03 May.


Extended Space Weather Discussion:

Solar Activity

.24 hr Summary...
Solar activity was at low levels with isolated to occasional C-class
flaring observed primarily from Region 4420 (N16W69,
Fkc/beta-gamma-delta), though Region 4424 (N17W35, Eai/beta-gamma)
produced the largest flare of the period, a C5.1 at 30/0031 UTC.

There are six numbered regions on the visible disk. Region 4420
continued to show a slight decline in extent along with fragmentation
and spreading of the intermediate spots and an overall decrease in spot
count despite some new flux emergence. Region 4424 underwent growth with
in the intermediate spots and consolidation in the leading group,
developing a mixed polarity gamma configuration. Region 4425 (N05W03,
Ekc/beta) showed loss of penumbra in the trailing spots with increased
separation and consolidation of the bipoles. Region 4423 (S10W53,
Bxo/beta) showed consolidation of its trailing pole with slight
spreading between the bipoles. Region 4428 (S24W13, Cro/beta) showed
flux emergence in the intermediate area along with consolidation of, and
separation between, the leading and trailing regions. New Region 4429
(S04E35, Cro/beta) was numbered this period.

Analysis is ongoing following the observation of CME to the southeast
first seen in STEREO-A COR2 imagery beginning at 30/1253 UTC and to the
south-southwest in SOHO LASCO C2 imagery beginning at 30/1326 UTC.

.Forecast...
Solar activity is expected to be at low levels with a chance for
moderate (R1-R2, Minor-Moderate) flare activity over 01-03 May. A slight
chance for X-class flares (R3-Strong or greater) also exists, due
primarily to the flare potential of Regions 4420 and 4425.

Energetic Particle

.24 hr Summary...
The greater than 2 MeV electron flux at geosynchronous orbit was at
normal to moderate levels with a peak of 421 pfu observed at 30/1415
UTC. The greater than 10 MeV proton flux at geosynchronous orbit was at
background levels.

.Forecast...
The greater than 2 MeV electron flux is expected to increase to high
levels 01-02 May in response to anticipated negative polarity CH
HSS (-CH HSS) influences before returning to low to moderate levels on
03 May. The greater than 10 MeV proton flux is expected to remain at
background levels, though a slight chance for S1 (Minor) solar radiation
storm levels or greater exists through 03 May due to the complexity and
location of Region 4420.

Solar Wind

.24 hr Summary...
Solar wind parameters were enhanced during the period. Solar wind speeds
started the period ranging around 350 km/s, before increasing more
significantly late in the period to approximately 500 km/s. Total
magnetic field strength (Bt) increased from around 6-8 nT early in the
period to a peak near 13-14 nT around 30/1500-1600 UTC before decreasing
toward 10 nT late in the period. The North-South component (Bz) was
variable with several sustained southward deflections later in the
period, deviating as far south as -12 nT at around 30/1930 UTC. A rise
in solar wind temperature late in the period, coinciding with the speed
increase, is consistent with HSS arrival. The phi angle was
predominantly in the negative (towards the Sun) orientation throughout
the period.

.Forecast...
Enhanced solar wind conditions are expected to persist through 01 May
under continued -CH HSS influences. A gradual return to near nominal
levels is anticipated on 02 May as HSS influences wane, before a new
negative polarity CH HSS is anticipated to become geoeffective by late
03 May.

Geospace
.24 hr Summary...
The geomagnetic field ranged from quiet to G1 (Minor) geomagnetic storm
levels.

.Forecast...
Unsettled to G1 (Minor) conditions are expected through 01 May under
continued -CH HSS influences. A return to mostly quiet levels is
anticipated on 02 May as HSS influences wane. Quiet to unsettled
conditions are expected on 03 May with the anticipated onset of a new
negative polarity CH HSS late in the day.


27 Day Forecast:

Date | Radio Flux | Planetary A Index | Largest Kp Index
2026 Apr 27     155          12          4
2026 Apr 28     150           7          2
2026 Apr 29     150          10          3
2026 Apr 30     152          14          4
2026 May 01     152           8          3
2026 May 02     148           5          2
2026 May 03     142           8          3
2026 May 04     140           8          3
2026 May 05     140           5          2
2026 May 06     135           5          2
2026 May 07     135          20          5
2026 May 08     135          15          4
2026 May 09     120           8          3
2026 May 10     110           5          2
2026 May 11     115           5          2
2026 May 12     115           5          2
2026 May 13     120           5          2
2026 May 14     120           5          2
2026 May 15     118          25          5
2026 May 16     130          20          5
2026 May 17     135          20          4
2026 May 18     135          15          4
2026 May 19     135           5          2
2026 May 20     140           5          2
2026 May 21     140           8          3
2026 May 22     145          10          3
2026 May 23     145          12          4


  • 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