R1 (Minor) HF Radio Blackout Event on 31 May, 2023

A slow-rising, long-lasting R1 (Minor HF Radio Blackout) event took place on 31 May, 2023. The R1 event was associated with an M-class flare which began at 2147 UTC (5:47 pm EDT) and eventually peaked at 2252 UTC (6:52 pm EDT) on 31 May, 2023, as a M4.3 flare. The event took place from a newly rotated into view and NOAA/SWPC assigned spot complex, Region 3323. The lengthy duration of this flare was unusual and occurred when the sunlit side of the Earth was predominantly across the Pacific Ocean area - thereby restricting any HF communication issues to that geographical area. Follow our SWPC webpage for the latest information, updates and forecasts.