The Joint USAF/NOAA Solar Geophysical Activity Report, issued on May 16, 2026, details moderate solar activity over the past 24 hours, with six sunspot regions observed. Concurrently, the geomagnetic field experienced conditions ranging from quiet to major storm levels, marked by a solar wind speed peak of 823 km/s.
For the period of May 17 to May 19, solar activity is anticipated to be low, though a 40% daily chance for M-class solar flares persists. The report also notes a 5% daily probability for X-class flares and proton events.
The geomagnetic field is forecast to exhibit quiet to minor storm levels on May 17, then unsettled to minor storm levels on May 18, before returning to quiet to active levels on May 19. High latitudes face a notable 70% probability of major-severe geomagnetic storms on both May 17 and 18, decreasing to 40% on May 19.