A joint report from NOAA and the USAF forecasts low solar activity but warns of potential unsettled to major geomagnetic storm levels on August 29, 2026. The report, issued at 2200Z on August 28, details current space weather conditions and a three-day outlook.
Solar activity has remained low over the past 24 hours, with six sunspot regions currently visible. Despite this, there is a 25% chance for M-class flares on August 29, 30, and 31. Proton and X-class flare probabilities are lower, at 5% for each day.
The geomagnetic field, which has been quiet to active, is expected to escalate to unsettled to major storm levels on August 29. Solar wind speed reached a peak of 421 km/s. The forecast indicates a return to quiet to active levels on August 30, and quiet levels on August 31.
Middle latitudes face a 20% chance of major-severe storms on August 29, while high latitudes have a 25% chance. These conditions highlight the dynamic nature of space weather and its potential impact over the coming days.