Space Weather Message Code: WARK05 Serial Number: 2225 Issue Time: 2026 Apr 18 2350 UTC WARNING: Geomagnetic K-index of 5 expected Valid From: 2026 Apr 18 2348 UTC Valid To: 2026 Apr 19 0900 UTC Warning Condition: Onset NOAA Scale: G1 - Minor NOAA Space Weather Scale descriptions can be found at 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.
:Product: 3-Day Forecast :Issued: 2026 Apr 18 1230 UTC # Prepared by the U.S. Dept. of Commerce, NOAA, Space Weather Prediction Center # A. NOAA Geomagnetic Activity Observation and Forecast The greatest observed 3 hr Kp over the past 24 hours was 6 (NOAA Scale G2). The greatest expected 3 hr Kp for Apr 18-Apr 20 2026 is 6.00 (NOAA Scale G2). NOAA Kp index breakdown Apr 18-Apr 20 2026 Apr 18 Apr 19 Apr 20 00-03UT 3.33 5.00 (G1) 3.67 03-06UT 5.00 (G1) 4.67 (G1) 3.67 06-09UT 5.67 (G2) 4.00 3.33 09-12UT 5.00 (G1) 3.33 3.33 12-15UT 5.00 (G1) 3.67 3.33 15-18UT 4.33 3.00 2.00 18-21UT 4.00 3.00 3.33 21-00UT 6.00 (G2) 3.33 3.33 Rationale: G1-G2 (Minor-Moderate) geomagnetic storming levels are expected on 18 Apr as negative polarity CH HSS geomagnetic conditions persist. Active to G1 (Minor) levels are expected to continue through 19 Apr, followed by unsettled to active conditions on 20 Apr, as HSS effects linger. 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 18-Apr 20 2026 Apr 18 Apr 19 Apr 20 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 18-Apr 20 2026 Apr 18 Apr 19 Apr 20 R1-R2 25% 25% 25% R3 or greater 5% 5% 5% Rationale: There is a chance for R1-R2 (Minor-Moderate) flares on 18-20 Apr, primarily due to the flare potential of Region 4419.
Map from NOAA titled showing North America and the North Pole with a color gradient overlay of aurora likelihood.
Map from NOAA titled showing North America and the North Pole with a color gradient overlay of aurora likelihood.
Aurora Forecast Update for 2026-04-19T00:00:03Z
WARNING: Geomagnetic K-index of 5 expected
Valid From: 2026 Apr 18 2348 UTC
Valid To: 2026 Apr 19 0900 UTC
Warning Condition: Onset
NOAA Scale: G1 - Minor
Additional Details Here.