CW 19 / 2026 | May 4–10 | SFI 159 | SSN 133 | A 7 | K 3 | X-Ray C1.2
Summary
The SFI climbs to 159 — the highest in weeks and a clear signal that Solar Cycle 25 continues at full steam. With a Sunspot Number of 133 and several active regions on the visible disk, conditions for DX on the mid and upper bands remain very good.
Last week’s concern — AR 4420 — has rotated beyond the northwest limb. Currently three active regions are in view: AR 4428 (S23W39, Dai/Beta, growing), AR 4429 (S04E06, Dsi/Beta) and AR 4431 (S16E38, Dso/Beta). All show moderate complexity — M-flare potential persists but no delta configurations.
The geomagnetic field was briefly active on May 3 (Kp up to 4) from a waning coronal hole high-speed stream. From May 4, conditions are expected to settle to quiet-to-unsettled — ideal for DX across all bands.
Band Forecast
With SFI 159, conditions regularly open even 10 and 12 metres. The upper bands benefit enormously — staying only on 20m means missing out.
| Band | Day | Night | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 160m | Poor | Fair | Season ending — short nights, high QRN |
| 80m | Fair | Good | EU evenings still good, DX increasingly difficult |
| 40m | Good | Good | Reliable, good DX paths to JA and W in the evening |
| 30m | Good | Good | Stable and resilient — underrated DX band |
| 20m | Very Good | Good | Open worldwide, long paths morning, short paths all day |
| 17m | Very Good | Fair | Openings to AS, AF, SA — excellent during daytime |
| 15m | Good to Very Good | Poor | Intercontinental QSOs readily achievable at SFI 159 |
| 12m | Good | Poor | Regular F2-layer openings — no longer just sporadic! |
| 10m | Good | Poor | F2 openings around noon to S/W, Es possible too |
Recommendations
- Seize the week! SFI 159 with quiet geomagnetic field — this is premium DX weather. Monday through Wednesday (Kp 1–2) offer optimal conditions.
- 17 metres is the band of the week — less crowded than 20m but wide open with SFI 159. Excellent daytime paths to Asia and Africa.
- 10 and 12 metres: At SFI 159, these are no longer sporadic openings but regular F2 propagation. Check around noon!
- 20 metres mornings for long paths (VK, ZL, JA) — the band opens toward the Pacific and Far East from about 06:00 UTC.
- Watch AR 4428 — growing Dai/Beta region nearing the west limb. If it produces an M-flare, brief HF disturbances are possible (R1-R2, 45% probability).
- Sporadic E becoming seasonally active — watch 6m and 10m for first intra-European Es openings.
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].
