For those who know, do not expect great conditions on the high frequency (HF) bands. The G index is currently at a 4 the K index just popped up to an “8” which indicates a strong geomagnetic storm is underway.
On the right of this page one can see the current solar, geomagnetic and band conditions in the widget via Hamqsl.com.
For those on mobile devices here is the latest, as it is easier to read here:
SpaceWeather.com states the following:
Space weather for the past 24 hours has been severe.
Geomagnetic storms reaching the G4 level occurred. Solar radiation storms reaching the S2 level occurred. Radio blackouts reaching the R1 level occurred.
If my readers are wondering what a G4 storm is:
And for those referring to the WWV data at the top, this is what the K index means:
Needless to say shortwave conditions are atrocious.
The forecast for the the next 24 hours is not much better:
Space weather for the next 24 hours is predicted to be strong. Geomagnetic storms reaching the G3 level are expected. Solar radiation storms reaching the S2 level are expected. Radio blackouts reaching the R2 level are expected.
Despite the high MUF (Maximum Usable Frequency) hitting a nice high of 42 Mhz, the propagation conditions due to the storm make HF almost unusable with numerous bands closed for long range communications.
If any of my readers live from Tennessee up north, enjoy the light show in the sky, as it is quite rare to see the Northern Lights at such a low latitude and there is a good chance they will be visible tonight.
Hopefully this will pass soon this week so we can enjoy some nice conditions over the Easter holiday.
