A coronal hole on the Sun is currently aimed at Earth, potentially causing a high-speed stream to become geoeffective between May 16 and 18, 2025. Coronal holes are extensive regions where the Sun's magnetic field lines extend outward, allowing plasma to escape into space. This stream carries the Sun's magnetic field, which can trigger geomagnetic storms upon interacting with Earth's magnetic field.
The US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) issued an alert for a minor G1 geomagnetic storm on May 16, 2025. Aurora Borealis may be visible in Canada and Alaska, and there could be minor fluctuations in power grids.
According to the Royal Observatory of Belgium, a coronal hole is crossing the central meridian, and a high-speed stream may reach Earth starting May 18, 2025. Sunspot region AR4087 produced multiple M-class flares and the strongest X-class flare of 2025, an X2.7 solar flare, peaking at 08:25 UTC on May 14. There is a 65% chance of M-Class flares and a 30% chance of X-Class flares through May 18.