Magnetic storms today
State of the magnetosphere on 4/24/2026. Kp index, storm classification and a 72-hour forecast.
Magnetosphere is quiet. No geomagnetic disturbances expected.
Last 24 hours
NOAA 3-day forecast
NOAA SWPC 3-Day Forecast
:Product: 3-Day Forecast
:Issued: 2026 Apr 24 0030 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 3 (below NOAA
Scale levels).
The greatest expected 3 hr Kp for Apr 24-Apr 26 2026 is 4.67 (NOAA Scale
G1).
NOAA Kp index breakdown Apr 24-Apr 26 2026
Apr 24 Apr 25 Apr 26
00-03UT 2.33 3.00 3.67
03-06UT 2.67 2.67 3.33
06-09UT 2.67 2.33 3.00
09-12UT 1.67 2.00 2.33
12-15UT 1.33 2.00 3.67
15-18UT 2.00 2.33 4.67 (G1)
18-21UT 2.00 3.33 4.33
21-00UT 2.33 3.67 3.33
Rationale: G1 (Minor) geomagnetic storms are likely on 26 Apr due to
anticipated influence from a CME that left the Sun on 23 Apr.
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 24-Apr 26 2026
Apr 24 Apr 25 Apr 26
S1 or greater 10% 10% 10%
Rationale: There exists a slight chance for S1 (Minor) or greater solar
radiation storms over 24-26 Apr.
C. NOAA Radio Blackout Activity and Forecast
Radio blackouts reaching the R1 levels were observed over the past 24
hours. The largest was at Apr 23 2026 1708 UTC.
Radio Blackout Forecast for Apr 24-Apr 26 2026
Apr 24 Apr 25 Apr 26
R1-R2 55% 60% 60%
R3 or greater 10% 15% 15%
Rationale: R1-R2 (Minor-Moderate) radio blackouts remain likely, with a
slight chance for R3 (Strong), over 24-26 Apr.
▸More about today's magnetic storm
Today the planetary Kp = 0.3 (G0). The maximum over the last 24 hours reached Kp = 2.7 (G0). Readings arrive from NOAA every 60 seconds; the table above shows the last 24 hours in 3-hour steps — the standard Kp calculation period.
How a magnetic storm forms: the Sun releases streams of charged particles — the solar wind and coronal mass ejections (CMEs). Reaching Earth in 1–3 days they compress the magnetosphere and cause fluctuations in the surface magnetic field, which ground-based magnetometers register as the Kp index.
On this page you can see the current Kp on a dial, the hourly table for the last 24 hours, the official NOAA 3-day forecast and a description of the current G1–G5 storm level. During a G1+ storm weather-sensitive people may notice blood-pressure swings, headaches or sleep changes — staying hydrated and avoiding intense physical load is advised.