// Data Dashboard
Live Propagation Brief
Daily UK HF/VHF summary, Merseyside notes, and current RAYNET alert status — refreshed each morning to support operator planning and nets.
SFI
143
Solar Flux Index (sfu)
Kp Index
~3
Quiet to Unsettled (max ~4)
MUF (3000 km)
~17-18
MHz peak over UK today
Blackout Risk
Low
Minor D-layer possible
UK Propagation Brief
Thursday 16 April 2026 — Daily Update
● Live
Solar & Geomagnetic
Quiet–Unsettled
Solar Flux Index ~143 sfu, sunspot number ~75. Kp ~3 (Quiet-Unsettled), forecast max ~4 next 24h. Solar wind ~600 km/s, Bz variable near -1 nT. No major flares or CMEs impacting today.
Implication: HF mostly stable; minor geomagnetic effects possible but no disruptions expected.
Implication: HF mostly stable; minor geomagnetic effects possible but no disruptions expected.
HF Bands (1.8–30 MHz)
Normal
MUF(3000 km) over UK ~17–18 MHz peak. Daytime best: 20 m (14 MHz) and 17 m (18 MHz) for Europe/short-path. Evening/NVIS: 40 m (7 MHz) and 60 m (5.3 MHz) solid. Low D-layer absorption.
Good paths: UK to EI/GM/GI on 20 m midday; NVIS window ~08:00–11:00 UTC.
Good paths: UK to EI/GM/GI on 20 m midday; NVIS window ~08:00–11:00 UTC.
VHF/UHF (50/70/144/432 MHz)
Low Activity
Tropo/ducting: Low — no strong high-pressure. Sporadic-E: Very low (off-season). Auroral: Unlikely (Kp <4). Rely on local/repeater paths; no enhanced openings today.
Digital & Special Modes
No Alerts
FT8/FT4: 20 m/17 m midday best for EU. Meteor scatter (MSK144): No shower peaks. Satellites/contests: No major events affecting today.
Merseyside / Zone 10 Note
Local
NVIS strong on 40 m ~08:30–10:30 local; 60 m fallback ~14:30–17:30 local. VHF/UHF tropo to EI/GM/N. Wales minimal — focus HF for Zone/regional nets.
Sources
🌤️ NOAA SWPC — Solar wind, Kp, flares
🔭 SpaceWeatherLive — Real-time Kp/aurora
📊 PropQuest — MUF/ionosonde
Current RAYNET Alert Status
5
Alert Level 5 – No Incidents
No known threats or incidents. Routine monitoring and training only; operators maintain normal preparedness.
Actionable Notes for Today
Recommended windows for Liverpool RAYNET operators
40 m NVIS — 08:00–11:00 UTC
Prime window for Zone 10 intra-UK/regional nets and short-range comms.
20 m / 17 m — 12:00–16:00 UTC
Best for Europe short-path; FT8/FT4 on 14/18 MHz productive midday.
60 m Fallback — 14:00–18:00 UTC
Good regional NVIS when 40 m weakens in afternoon; standby for Zone links.
VHF/UHF Tropo or Es — Not Expected
Standard local/repeater paths only; no enhanced openings forecast.
Auroral Monitor if Kp ≥4
Watch 144 MHz for scatter if Kp rises; possible to GM/EI/N. Europe.