G2 – Moderate Geomagnetic Storm Watch issued for October 9, 2026

A G2 – Moderate Geomagnetic Storm Watch was issued for October 9, 2026. According to the official NOAA SWPC alert, G2 – Moderate geomagnetic storm conditions are likely on this date following the anticipated arrival of a coronal mass ejection (CME) that left the Sun on October 6, 2026. No geomagnetic storm levels are forecast for October 7 and 8, with the watch specifically covering potential impacts on October 9.

Potential impacts are expected primarily in regions poleward of 55 degrees geomagnetic latitude. Power grid fluctuations are possible, particularly at high latitudes where voltage alarms may occur. Spacecraft may experience orientation irregularities and satellites in low Earth orbit could face increased drag. High frequency (HF) radio propagation may experience fading at higher latitudes. Auroral displays may become visible as far south as New York, Wisconsin, and Washington state.

The event triggering this watch was a long duration M1.4 solar flare that occurred on October 6, 2026, at 06:10 UTC from solar region 4549. This flare was associated with a Type II radio sweep and a CME first detected at 06:48 UTC. Preliminary modeling indicated that this CME would arrive near Earth early on October 9, resulting in the current geomagnetic storm watch.