‰ NOW 18 WPM transition file follows‰ We observed a return of sunspot activity during the past reporting week, September 6 to 12, with spots on four days, but not consecutive. Sunspots were visible on September 8 and 9 and 11 and 12. Average daily sunspot numbers increased to 7.6, compared to zero over the previous seven days. Average daily solar flux increased from 67.8 to 68.6, and planetary A index doubled from 6.3 to 12.6, while mid latitude A index went from 5.9 to 10. The September 13 forecast predicted solar flux at 70 on September 14, 68 on September 15 to 22, 67 on September 23 and 24, 68 on September 25 through October 6, 70 on October 7 to 9, 68 on October 10 to 19, 67 on October 20 and 21, 68 on October 22 to 28. The same forecast over the same period supposes planetary A index at 8 on September 14 and 15, 10 and 8 on September 16 and 17, 5 on September 18 to 21, 12 and 8 on September 22 and 23, 5 on September 24 to 30, then 8 and 10 on October 1 and 2. 5 on October 3 to 6, then 12, 35, 15, 12, 12, 8, 5, 10 and 8 on October 7 to 15, 5 on October 16 to 18, then 12 and 8 on October 19 and 20, 5 on October 21 to 27 and 8 on October 28. As recently as September 9, the US Air Force predicted a rise of solar flux to 75 on September 17 before dropping below 70, followed by flux values of 70 on October 7 to 9. The day before, on September 8 the forecast showed flux values of 70 through September 16, 75 on September 17, and 72 on September 18 to 22. Predicted solar flux was 75 for October 10 to 14. This was considerably more optimistic than the latest forecast. Max White sent this link from the Financial Times about solar flares on September 9, //on.ft.com/2O2Zzmq . My newest forecast shortie came out on You Tube today as we were passing the peak of this solar storm. As I feared, and mentioned on Twitter and on Patreon numerous times, we did reach G2 level storm conditions. In fact we remained at G2 levels for over 6 hours. This meant emergency communication over the amateur radio bands was non existent. Luckily, it looks like the worst is now over. This is good news as several hurricane watch nets are activating as early as tomorrow in anticipation of Hurricane Florence. Since becoming an amateur radio operator myself this Summer, my call sign is now WX6SWW, I have really begun to appreciate the extent that Space Weather thwarts emergency responders during hurricane season. Even though I do not live on a coast threatened by hurricanes, Los Angeles hardly gets any rain at all, let alone a hurricane class storm, like many, I am beginning to dread this time of year. The concern worsens when I read articles published in reputable weather journals that talk about the intensification of hurricanes in the coming years. For all of our sakes, I hope that climate scientists determine a Category 6 for hurricanes is not warranted. Until then, articles like this one will continue to make me very nervous. It really makes me wonder what the peak of the hurricane season will be like in a few years when solar activity begins to rise. The link is, //youtu.be/nbvCD8ixcoc Sunspot numbers were 0, 0, 16, 12, 0, 14, and 11, with a mean of 7.6. 10.7 cm flux was 67.4, 67.5, 68.7, 68.4, 69, 69.4, and 69.7, with a mean of 68.6. Estimated planetary A indices were 6, 5, 5, 7, 21, 35, and 9, with a mean of 12.6. Estimated mid latitude A indices were 5, 5, 5, 6, 15, 24, and 10, with a mean of 10. ‰ END OF 18 WPM transition file ƒ