= NOW 18 WPM transition file follows =

Low level C class flaring was observed from Regions AR4210 and
AR4207. Slight growth was observed in Regions AR4213 and AR4214. The
rest of the spotted regions were either stable or in decay. Solar
activity is expected to remain at low levels, with a chance for
isolated M class flares, or R1 to R2, minor to moderate, through
September 13.  A Coronal Mass Ejection was observed just beyond the
Western limb on September 9. No impacts are expected, and no Earth
directed CMEs were observed.  Solar wind parameters continued to be
enhanced under positive polarity coronal hole high speed stream
influences. Solar wind speed increased from approximately 450 km/s
to near 550 km/s.  Elevated solar wind conditions are expected to
continue into September 12.  Another enhancement is likely on
September 14 with the onset of negative polarity CH HSS influences
and the possible glancing effects of the September 11 CME.  During a
seven day interval, August 26 to September 1, when solar flux values
were above 200 s.f.u., there was a decline to below 120 s.f.u.
during the first ten days of September. Which also occurred during
the previous solar rotation, on August 17 to 19.  Solar flare
activity simultaneously decreased significantly, while all sunspot
groups moved to the western half of the solar disk.  Instead, we are
now observing a large coronal hole, located mostly north of the
solar equator, whose boundary has already crossed the central
meridian.  The intensified solar wind, which is definitely blowing
from its western edge, is expected to reach Earth since September
13. It will likely contribute to increased geomagnetic activity,
which, combined with relatively low solar activity, will have
negative consequences for the state of the ionosphere. MUF values
will decrease, attenuation will increase, and shortwave propagation
conditions will deteriorate.  Starting in the half of September,
however, solar activity will begin to increase, although not as
significantly as it did in August. In addition, geomagnetic activity
appears to be declining at the same time. The approaching Autumn
Equinox will also have a significant impact on the state of the
ionosphere. These are already three reasons why shortwave
propagation conditions should gradually improve.  The Predicted
Planetary A Index for September 13 to 19 is 5, 12, 20, 15, 8, 8, and
8, with a mean of 10.9.  Predicted Planetary K Index is 2, 4, 5, 4,
3, 3, and 3, with a mean of 3.4.  10.7 centimeter flux is 120, 125,
130, 135, 135, 140, and 145, with a mean of 132.9.  What follows are
the results of our recent Section Manager nomination period for the
term beginning January 1, 2026, and declared elected, with no
opposition.  Continuing as Section Manager are, Alabama, Dennis
Littleton, K4DL, Alaska, David Stevens, KL7EB, Delaware, Steven
Keller, KC3DSO, East Bay, Mike Patterson, N6JGA, Kansas, Ron Cowan,
KB0DTI, New Mexico, Bill Mader, K8TE, Tennessee, David Thomas,
KM4NYI, and Western Massachusetts, Ray LaJoie, AA1SE.  The ARRL
Field Organization is the grassroots corps that makes up the 60,000
volunteers among ARRL membership. It is divided into 71 Sections,
each of which is led by a volunteer Section Manager who is elected
by the members of the Section. Section Managers serve two year
terms.

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