Solar activity was high. Region 649 (S10E26) produced three X-class flares: an X1 at 0206 UTC, an X1/1f at 1041 UTC, and an X3/3b at 1355 UTC. All of these events were impulsive and none were associated with an obvious CME in the LASCO data. However, a weak type II radio sweep was observed in association with the X3 event. Region 649 has shown some consolidation of spots in the leader and in the trailer areas and the region is maintaining complexity - the delta configuration in the dominant trailer penumbra continues to be the primary location for the flare activity. Two new regions are just visible on the east limb in GOES-12 SXI images at S11 and N05. The region to the north rotated into view at (N05E88) and was assigned SWO region number 652.

Solar activity is expected to be moderate to high. Region 649 is expected to continue to produce M-class flares and has a fair chance for producing more major flare activity during the next three days (17-19 July). These events could become geoeffective (i.e. earthward directed CMEs or proton events) as the region evolves and as it moves near central meridian and into the western hemisphere.

The geomagnetic field was mostly quiet to unsettled, although there was one active period from 2100-2359 on 15 July.

The geomagnetic field is expected to be mostly unsettled for the next three days (17-19 July). As noted previously, however, there is a possibility that Region 649 could produce some events that could increase geomagnetic activity during the forecast interval.

  Observed       16 Jul 147
  Predicted   17 Jul-19 Jul  150/150/150
  90 Day Mean        16 Jul 098

  Observed Afr/Ap 15 Jul  007/009
  Estimated     Afr/Ap 16 Jul  010/010
  Predicted    Afr/Ap 17 Jul-19 Jul  010/012-008/012-008/012