Strong M3.5 solar flare erupts at 19:43 UTC on July 1, 2026

A strong M3.5 solar flare erupted at 19:43 UTC on July 1, 2026.

Today’s flare activity includes several M-class flares from active region 4479, notably M1.1 at 06:27 UTC, M1.0 at 06:43 UTC, M1.5 at 07:35 UTC, M2.5 at 08:17 UTC, M1.3 at 10:08 UTC, M1.1 at 14:31 UTC, and M2.6 at 14:54 UTC. No X-class or M3.5 flare was listed at 19:43 UTC in the available event data. All above-mentioned M-class flares originated from region 4479.

In 24 hours to 12:30 UTC on July 1, solar activity reached high levels due to an X1.1 flare at 20:50 UTC on June 30. Additional strong activity included an M5.8 flare and several impulsive low-level M-class flares. Regions 4475, 4478, and 4479 remain in a growth phase with ongoing activity.

Solar activity is likely to reach moderate levels, with a slight chance for X-class flares, due to the flare potential of regions 4475, 4478, and 4479.

Active sunspot regions presently observed on the Earth-facing solar disk include AR 4475 (S09W63 – Beta), AR 4477 (S14W31 – Beta), AR 4478 (S05W06 – Beta-Gamma-Delta), AR 4479 (N16W24 – Beta-Gamma-Delta), and AR 4480 (S18W30 – Beta).

Over the past 24 hours, the greater than 2 MeV electron flux was at moderate to high levels, peaking at 5 687 pfu. The greater than 10 MeV proton flux remained at background levels. High levels of electron flux are expected on July 1 and July 3, with moderate levels likely on July 2 due to possible CME arrival. There is a slight chance for an S1 – Minor solar radiation storm due to flare activity from regions 4475, 4478, and 4479.

Solar wind parameters were enhanced due to CME arrival, with total field strength increasing to 18 nT and variable Bz component reaching -10 nT. Solar wind speeds held steady near 425 km/s. Conditions are expected to remain enhanced, with possible further CME arrivals late on July 1 to early July 2 and an additional enhancement possible on July 3 from the late June 30 CME.

The geomagnetic field was initially quiet, then became active with G1 – Minor storm conditions following CME impact from June 26. Further G1 – Minor to G2 – Moderate storming is possible through early July 1. Unsettled to active conditions are expected on July 2 if another CME arrives. G1-G2 conditions are possible by July 3 as further CME analysis is conducted.