Solar activity remained at high levels today. Region 649 (S10E00) produced five M-class events, all of which occurred in a constricted area around the delta structure in the trailing portion of the spot group. The M-class flares chronologically occurred with an M2/1f at 17/2131Z, an M1 x-ray at 17/2308Z, an M2/1f at 18/0035Z, an M1/Sf at 18/0257Z, and an M1/1f at 18/1713Z. Weak radio bursts accompanied many of today's events while LASCO imagery depicted only faint CME signatures in association with the flare activity observed during the period. Magnetically, Region 649 remains a beta-gamma-delta spot group. Region 652 (N05E58) has fully rotated into view today and is currently measured in white light at over 1300 millionths of spot area coverage. Several C-class flares were observed during the period and a strong delta structure is evident in the intermediate cluster of spots. No new regions were numbered today.

Solar activity is expected to be at moderate to high levels. Region 649 and 652 are both capable of producing major flare level activity.

The geomagnetic field was at quiet to unsettled levels.

The geomagnetic field is expected to be at predominantly unsettled levels throughout the period. Isolated active to minor storm conditions are possible on 19 and 20 July mostly at higher latitudes due to the potential for transient passages from the major flare activity seen from Region 649 during the past several days.

  Observed       18 Jul 155
  Predicted   19 Jul-21 Jul  150/150/145
  90 Day Mean        18 Jul 098

  Observed Afr/Ap 17 Jul  013/024
  Estimated     Afr/Ap 18 Jul  008/010
  Predicted    Afr/Ap 19 Jul-21 Jul  010/015-010/015-008/012