The Kp index measures global geomagnetic activity on a 0–9 scale. Higher values mean stronger geomagnetic storms and a better chance of aurora farther from the poles. All forecasts shown here are issued by NOAA's Space Weather Prediction Center.
Last updated:
These are NOAA forecasts, not our own. For official space weather alerts and warnings, refer to NOAA SWPC or your national space weather service. NOAA SWPC · Aurora Dashboard
Latest Kp3.67 (estimated)
Highest observed Kp, past 24 h5.33G1 Minor
Highest Kp forecast, next 3 days4.00
NOAA forecast issued
Kp index: past 7 days (observed) and NOAA forecast
observed forecast G1+
NOAA 3-day Kp forecast (3-hour periods, UTC)
Issued by NOAA:
Time (UTC)
Oct 5, 2026
Oct 6, 2026
Oct 7, 2026
00-03
4.00
3.33
2.33
03-06
5.33 G1 Minor
3.67
2.67
06-09
2.33
3.00
2.00
09-12
3.33
3.00
2.33
12-15
2.67
2.33
2.33
15-18
4.67 G1 Minor
2.00
2.00
18-21
2.67
2.00
2.00
21-00
1.67
1.67
1.67
NOAA forecaster discussion
G1 (Minor) geomagnetic storms are expected on 05 Oct due to influence from a positive polarity CH HSS.
No S1 (Minor) or greater solar radiation storms are expected. No significant active region activity favorable for radiation storm production is forecast.
No R1 (Minor) or greater radio blackouts are expected. No significant active region flare activity is forecast.
Solar radiation storm and radio blackout probabilities (NOAA)
Oct 5, 2026
Oct 6, 2026
Oct 7, 2026
S1 or greater solar radiation storm
1%
1%
1%
R1–R2 radio blackout
5%
5%
5%
R3 or greater radio blackout
1%
1%
1%
NOAA G-scale for geomagnetic storms
NOAA classifies geomagnetic storms from G1 to G5 according to the Kp index. NOAA
Scale
Kp
Level
G1
5
Minor
G2
6
Moderate
G3
7
Strong
G4
8
Severe
G5
9
Extreme
Aurora also needs darkness and clear skies. For the 30-minute aurora forecast map, see NOAA's aurora dashboard.