Does Planetary K Index Really Predict HF Radio Propagation in Your Region?


After the recent G5 Extreme Geomagnetic Storm which knocked out global HF radio propagation, I have been monitoring the NOAA Planetary K index or Kp index regularly. On many of the days the HF propagation in my region does not seem to match with Planetary K index. We have been having poor propagation on 40m all these days inspite of Planetary K index being in the green. It is possible that there is regional variation and I am on the look out for a source to show me the realtime or near-realtime K index of geomagnetic activity in our region. Regionwise K index might be more relevant in case of local communication HF bands like 40m. I tried listening to 80m band during the morning net, but could not hear anything, though the net control is right from my city. This is inspite of the fact that Kp index was only mildly abnormal.

This is the waterfall display which was recorded from my radio on 40m today morning. Usually it is a busy time when plenty of strong signals should be visible on the waterfall display. Here we can see hardly a few weak signals. In fact I tried to check in to one of the regional nets, but could not get through to the net control at a distance of just 210 km. Usually I hear him 5,9+20 dB, while today he was just over riding the basal noise level of S9. If anyone of you is aware of sites displaying regionwise K index in a near real-time fashion, please post it as a comment below the YouTube video. I wish to check it regularly and compare with the activity on the band.