[Ips-hf-warning] ASWFC HF DEPRESSION WARNING issued 2113 UT on 21 Mar 2026 [SEC=OFFICIAL]

[Australian Space Weather Forecasting Centre]

SUBJ: ASWFC HF RADIO COMMUNICATIONS WARNING 26/28
ISSUED AT 2112UT/21 MARCH 2026
BY THE AUSTRALIAN SPACE WEATHER FORECASTING CENTRE.

Due to recent geomagnetic activity, HF maximum usable frequencies 
in the Australian region are currently depressed by near 30%. 
Depressions are expected to continue into 22-Mar at near 10-20%; 
some stronger depressions are then expected on 23-Mar due to 
further anticipated coronal hole activity of near 20%. Conditions 
are still likely to remain depressed on 24-Mar but may begin 
recovering by the end of the day. Spread-F and sporadic-E are 
likely. Equatorial scintillation is possible.

DEGRADED HF PROPAGATION CONDITIONS EXPECTED
FROM 22-24 MARCH 2026
IF COMMS DIFFICULTIES EXPERIENCED TRY A LOWER FREQUENCY BAND
_____________________________________________________________

HF COMMUNICATIONS FORECAST (AUSTRALIAN/NEW ZEALAND REGION)
                                   FREQUENCY BANDS
       T-index      MUFs        2  4  6  8 12 16 22 26
_____________________________________________________________
22 Mar:   65         -20%      2  4  6  8  8 12 16 16
23 Mar:   85          -20%      2  4  6  8  8 12 16 16
24 Mar:   90          -20%      2  4  6  8  8 12 16 16

Australian Space Weather Forecasting Centre
Bureau of Meteorology
ASWFC at bom.gov.au
www.bom.gov.au | www.sws.bom.gov.au