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Live forecasts update automatically; written guidance last reviewed 23 June 2026 by the Australia Watch Weather Desk. Data from the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) and other national met services via Open-Meteo.
Space weather refers to changes in the solar wind, magnetic fields and radiation around Earth that can disrupt power grids, satellites and communications. For Australia, the most immediate risk is interference with high-frequency radio and GPS, especially during strong solar storms.
Check the live forecast above for current solar activity levels and geomagnetic conditions. This data is sourced from the Bureau of Meteorology’s space weather service and the NOAA Space Weather Prediction Centre, giving you a practical sense of whether radio blackouts or aurora sightings are possible today.
What causes space weather and how is it forecast?
Space weather is driven by events on the sun, such as solar flares and coronal mass ejections (CMEs). These release bursts of energy and charged particles that travel to Earth. Forecasters use satellite observations and models to predict impacts, often expressed as a K-index (geomagnetic activity) or flare scale (C, M, X). The live forecast above includes a K-index reading and any current alerts, helping you understand whether conditions are calm, active or storm level.
How does space weather affect Australia?
In Australia, space weather can cause radio blackouts, particularly in remote and northern regions where high-frequency communication is used. It can also degrade GPS accuracy for agriculture, mining and aviation. During strong geomagnetic storms, the aurora australis (southern lights) may be visible from Tasmania and parts of southern Victoria — a rare but beautiful effect. The live forecast above will show you the likelihood of such aurora sightings.
Can space weather cause power blackouts in Australia?
Rarely, but strong geomagnetic storms can induce currents in long power lines, causing transformer damage. Australian grids are designed with some resilience, and monitoring from the Bureau of Meteorology provides early warning.
Will I be able to see the southern lights tonight?
Check the live forecast above for the current K-index and aurora oval maps. In practice, a K-index of 6 or more is often needed for aurora to be visible from Tasmania; higher values may reach southern Victoria.
Which space weather app or website should I use?
For real-time data, use the NOAA Space Weather Prediction Centre website or the Bureau of Meteorology’s space weather page. Many free apps also display current K-index and flare alerts — look for ones that offer Australian regional data.
Sources
For broader weather information across Australia, visit our Australia weather hub or check severe weather warnings if you are in an affected area.