MW DX last night a bit odd -- almost auroral

[Boombox]

Last night I didn't have a ton of time to DX the AM band, but the conditions were almost auroral in a way.

Canadian stations that usually blast in here in Washington state (CBR 1010, CKMX 1060, CKOR 800, CFAX 1070) were either very weak or nonexistent, and I logged XEROK 800 khz with ranchero oldies and several spots for what seemed to be various medicinal herbs (or something similar).

Also heard XECL Mexicali on 990 khz, which is uncommon but not rare.

KNX 1070 was S4-S5 when it is usually covered by CFAX in BC (just 100 miles away).

Very strange conditions.

 

[ridgescan]

I was listening to a usual haunt, 1180 KERN out of Wasco-Greenacres, Ca. @ 231 miles last night, and for the first time ever, KOFI out of Kalispell, Montana @ 831 miles popped in right over KERN! I thought it was strange too-then I saw your post here and see I am not alone. I guess we'll have to work that MW more now.

 

[Boombox]

I've only heard 1180 KERN a few times, and then with not much readablility. Usually KOFI and another local station (KLAY Tacoma) are in the way. On rare occasions I'll hear Rebelde when it's exceptional DX conditions.

FWIW, my radios last night were an SRII (w/ and w/o small loop), DX-370 + small Loop, and PR-D5. The DX-370, Radio Shack's badged Sangean 800A, is pretty good for MW, especially if you use a loop. Very good ceramic filter and it doesn't have a thin sound through headphones like some other small digital SW portables.