CW 18 / 2026 | April 27 – May 3 | SFI 148 | SSN 131 | A 9 | K 1 | X-Ray C2.0
Summary
The Sun remains active: With an SFI of 148 and a Sunspot Number of 131, we are still near the maximum of Solar Cycle 25. Seven active regions are visible, with AR 4420 (BGD-class, growing) being the most complex. Last week brought two notable X2.5 flares from AR 4419 on April 24 — this region has since rotated beyond the west limb.
Currently, the geomagnetic field is very quiet (K=1, Bz +3.3 nT northward). A G1 (minor) storm is expected this evening from a coronal hole high-speed stream. Mid-week (April 29/30), NOAA forecasts another G1 disturbance from a recurring coronal hole — Kp up to 5 possible.
Band Forecast
| Band | Day | Night | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 160m | Poor | Fair | Seasonal — short nights limit DX |
| 80m | Fair | Good | Good EU paths in the evening |
| 40m | Good | Good | Reliable all-round band |
| 30m | Good | Good | Stable, barely affected by G1 storms |
| 20m | Very Good | Good | Best DX band — open worldwide |
| 17m | Good | Fair | Good daytime DX paths, especially overseas |
| 15m | Good | Poor | Openings to all continents during daylight |
| 12m | Fair | Poor | Sporadic openings with SFI 148 |
| 10m | Fair | Poor | F2-layer openings possible, especially around noon |
Recommendations
- 20 metres remains the workhorse — open worldwide, reliable DX day and evening.
- 15 metres particularly rewarding during daylight — intercontinental QSOs well achievable with SFI 148.
- 10/12 metres: Always worth a look! Sporadic F2-layer openings especially around noon.
- April 29/30: Avoid polar paths (North America, Scandinavia) — G1 disturbance expected. Recovery from May 1.
- Watch AR 4420 — growing BGD-class region with M-flare potential. C-flare probability 99%, M-flare 55%.
Live Data
| Band | Tag ☀ | Nacht ☾ |
|---|---|---|
| 160m | Schlecht | Mäßig |
| 80–40m | Schlecht | Gut |
| 30–20m | Gut | Gut |
| 17–15m | Gut | Gut |
| 12–10m | Gut | Schlecht |
Useful Links
- MUF Maps (prop.kc2g.com)
- NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center
- HamQSL Solar Dashboard
- DXHeat DX Cluster
- SolarHam
Transparency Notice
This forecast was created with AI assistance (Claude, Anthropic) based on current data from NOAA/SWPC, HamQSL and SolarHam. All content reviewed by the oeradio.at editorial team. Corrections or additions welcome at [email protected].
