Solar flare and CME trigger geomagnetic storm watches

A powerful M6.9 solar flare erupted from Active Region 4513 on August 25, 2026, triggering a moderate (R2) radio blackout across the sunlit side of Earth, affecting high-frequency communications in parts of Africa, Europe, and the Arctic.

NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC) has issued a G2 moderate geomagnetic storm watch for August 28 following the detection of Earth-directed coronal mass ejections (CMEs). These CMEs were associated with the M6.9 flare and a subsequent C4.7 flare and filament eruption.

A G1 minor geomagnetic storm watch is also in effect for August 27 due to an approaching coronal-hole high-speed stream, which is expected to affect Earth around midday with solar-wind speeds increasing to approximately 600 km/s.