Author: Fiona Craig

Kodal Minerals (LSE:KOD) reported production of 27,234 dry metric tonnes of spodumene concentrate at its Bougouni Lithium Project in Mali during the quarter ended 30 September 2026, bringing year-to-date output to 80,429 tonnes.

The AIM-listed mining company said concentrate produced during the quarter averaged 5.29% lithium oxide (Li2O), while maintaining its full-year production guidance of between 105,000 and 115,000 tonnes.

Kodal also reiterated its expected unit production cost range of US$600 to US$610, as operations continued at the project’s Stage 1 dense media separation (DMS) processing facility.

During the reporting period, the project completed its fourth and fifth export shipments through the port of San Pedro in Côte d’Ivoire, which serves as the export route for spodumene concentrate produced at Bougouni.

The fourth shipment generated approximately US$47 million in revenue, bringing total revenue from the first four shipments to around US$142.8 million.

The company also confirmed that the project’s operating vehicle had fully repaid an external loan provided by Hainan Mining, using cash generated from operations.

The repayment removes the outstanding obligation associated with that loan, following the commencement of commercial concentrate production and export shipments from Bougouni.

Mining activities at the Ngoualana open pit were affected during the quarter by seasonal rainfall and equipment availability, resulting in reduced mining volumes and a lower grade of ore supplied to the processing plant.

Kodal said these conditions affected the availability and quality of feed material, although the processing facility continued operating during the period.

To address the mining constraints, additional equipment and a new mining contractor have been mobilised to support ore extraction and transportation.

The measures are intended to improve the consistency of ore deliveries to the processing plant and maintain sufficient stockpiles to support ongoing production.

The company reported continued recovery performance at the DMS facility, although specific recovery rates were not provided in the supplied update.

Kodal also recorded no lost-time injuries or medically treated incidents during the quarter.

Alongside Stage 1 production, the company is progressing technical studies for a proposed Stage 2 flotation expansion at Bougouni.

The development work includes feasibility assessments, environmental studies and metallurgical testing to evaluate the proposed expansion and its processing requirements.

The Stage 2 project is intended to increase Bougouni’s production capacity beyond the existing DMS operation, although the supplied update did not specify a revised production target or development timetable.

Bougouni is operated through a partnership involving Kodal Mining UK, Hainan Mining and the Government of Mali. Kodal Minerals holds an ultimate economic interest of approximately 32% in the project.

The partnership structure provides Kodal with exposure to lithium production and associated cash flows while the operating entity manages mining, processing and export activities.

The company’s current operational priorities include maintaining production at the Stage 1 facility, addressing mining equipment and ore supply constraints, and advancing the technical work required for the proposed expansion.

With 80,429 tonnes of concentrate produced year to date, Kodal has maintained its annual production guidance of 105,000 to 115,000 tonnes, subject to operational performance during the remainder of the financial year.

The company continues to develop Bougouni as a lithium concentrate production operation, with further expansion dependent on the outcome of its ongoing technical and environmental assessments.

About Kodal Minerals

Kodal Minerals is an AIM-listed mining and mineral exploration company focused on lithium production and resource development in West Africa.

Its principal asset is the Bougouni Lithium Project in Mali, where spodumene concentrate is produced through a Stage 1 dense media separation processing facility.

The project is operated through a partnership involving Kodal Mining UK, Hainan Mining and the Government of Mali, with Kodal holding an ultimate economic interest of approximately 32%.

Bougouni produces spodumene concentrate for export, using transport infrastructure connecting the project to the port of San Pedro in Côte d’Ivoire.

The company is also evaluating a Stage 2 flotation processing expansion, with feasibility, metallurgical and environmental studies forming part of the proposed development programme.

Kodal’s activities include lithium mining, processing, mineral exploration and project development, with its operations focused on supplying raw materials used in the battery manufacturing sector.

Plus500 (LSE:PLUS) has conditionally agreed to acquire Hedge Capital Markets Inc., a US broker-dealer registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and a member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), as part of its expansion into the US securities trading market.

The proposed all-cash acquisition will provide Plus500 with access to the SEC-regulated securities segment, complementing its existing US operations in futures and prediction markets, which operate under Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) regulation.

Founded in 2021, Hedge Capital Markets provides brokerage services focused on US retail investors trading equities and exchange-traded funds (ETFs). The acquisition is intended to add securities trading capabilities to Plus500’s existing US product offering.

The transaction remains conditional, and financial terms were not disclosed in the supplied announcement.

Plus500 said the acquisition will be funded from its existing cash resources. The group reported cash reserves exceeding $860 million as of 30 June 2026, providing the funding source for the proposed purchase.

Alongside the acquisition, Plus500 is establishing a new operational hub in New York to support its US expansion. The office will complement the group’s existing Chicago operations, which serve its futures and other regulated trading activities.

The company intends to combine Hedge’s securities brokerage capabilities and regulatory registrations with its proprietary trading technology to develop an integrated multi-asset platform for US customers.

Plus500 is targeting the first quarter of 2027 for the launch of the new platform, which it describes as a trading super-app.

The proposed service is intended to provide access to multiple asset classes through a single platform, incorporating securities trading alongside the group’s existing futures and prediction markets activities.

Management said the planned platform forms part of its strategy to expand the range of financial products available to US retail customers and increase engagement across its trading services.

The acquisition would extend Plus500’s regulatory presence in the United States beyond its existing CFTC-regulated operations into the SEC-regulated securities market.

Hedge’s existing brokerage infrastructure and experience in equities and ETF trading are expected to support the development of the new service, while Plus500 plans to provide the underlying technology and platform integration.

The group operates proprietary trading systems across several international markets and intends to apply these capabilities to its expanded US operations.

Plus500 said the acquisition and planned platform launch are designed to broaden its addressable customer market and create additional opportunities to generate revenue from a wider range of financial products.

The New York office will provide an additional operational base as the company develops its US securities offering and prepares for the proposed 2027 launch.

Completion of the Hedge acquisition remains subject to the conditions attached to the agreement. The planned trading platform launch is also dependent on the completion of the transaction and the company’s subsequent integration and development activities.

About Plus500

Plus500 is a London-listed financial technology group that develops and operates proprietary online trading platforms for retail and institutional customers.

The company provides access to a range of financial instruments, including over-the-counter contracts for difference (CFDs), share dealing, futures and options on futures.

Its platforms cover more than 2,500 underlying instruments across asset classes including equities, stock indices, commodities, exchange-traded funds, foreign exchange and cryptocurrencies.

Plus500 operates in more than 60 countries and holds regulatory licences in several jurisdictions, including the United Kingdom, United States, Australia and Japan.

The group’s trading platforms are available through web browsers and applications for iOS, Android and Windows devices.

Plus500 has been listed on the London Stock Exchange since 2013 and is a constituent of the FTSE 250 and STOXX Europe 600 indices.

The company continues to develop its multi-asset trading operations, including its US futures business and planned expansion into SEC-regulated securities brokerage services.

Abingdon Health (LSE:ABDX) reported a 32% increase in total revenue to £11.3 million for the financial year ended 2026, supported by growth in contract development activities and regulatory consulting services.

The medical technology contract services provider recorded a 30% increase in reported revenue to £11.0 million, while gross margin improved to 47.1%. Contract development income rose 56% during the year, contributing to the group’s overall revenue growth.

Abingdon achieved positive adjusted earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) in the second half of FY26, while its annual pre-tax loss narrowed to £2.0 million.

The company ended the financial year with cash balances of £2.9 million, following investment in its operational capabilities and international expansion.

Contract development activities accounted for a significant proportion of the group’s revenue growth, reflecting demand for its diagnostic test development and manufacturing services.

Abingdon provides contract development and manufacturing organisation (CDMO) services for lateral flow and other in vitro diagnostic products, supporting customers through product development, testing, regulatory processes and commercial manufacturing.

Revenue from regulatory and medical technology consulting services increased 21% to £4.1 million during FY26. These activities include regulatory compliance, quality management, technical documentation and performance evaluation services for diagnostic product developers.

The group also completed a £3.2 million equity fundraising during the year to provide additional working capital and support the expansion of its US operations.

Part of the funding is being allocated to the company’s facility in Madison, Wisconsin, which Abingdon intends to develop into a manufacturing and performance evaluation centre.

The expansion is designed to increase the services available to US customers, adding manufacturing capabilities to the group’s existing development, testing and regulatory support operations.

Abingdon also expanded its presence in the US capital markets, with its shares beginning trading on the OTCQB market under the ticker ABDXF. The company retains its existing London Stock Exchange listing under LSE:ABDX.

Management reported a pipeline of contract development projects, including programmes expected to progress towards manufacturing activities as customers advance their diagnostic products through development and regulatory stages.

However, the company said delays affecting certain programmes are expected to influence the timing of revenue recognition during FY27.

As a result, management anticipates that revenue for the current financial year will be substantially weighted towards the second half, reflecting the expected timing of project delivery and commercial manufacturing activities.

The company continues to invest in its development, manufacturing and regulatory service capabilities across its UK and US operations.

Abingdon’s FY26 results included higher revenue, an improvement in gross margin and a reduction in the annual pre-tax loss, alongside the achievement of positive adjusted EBITDA during the second half.

The group enters FY27 with its expanded US operations under development and a pipeline of customer programmes, although the timing of contract progression and associated revenue remains dependent on project schedules.

About Abingdon Health PLC

Abingdon Health plc is a UK-headquartered medical technology contract services company specialising in rapid diagnostic testing and in vitro diagnostics.

The group provides contract development and manufacturing services for lateral flow assays, alongside regulatory consulting, analytical testing, quality management and diagnostic product performance evaluation.

Its operations are based in York and Doncaster in England and Madison, Wisconsin, in the United States, serving customers across healthcare, biotechnology, animal health and environmental testing markets.

Abingdon supports diagnostic product developers through multiple stages of commercialisation, including initial product design, assay development, validation, regulatory documentation, manufacturing scale-up and routine production.

The group’s subsidiaries include Compliance Solutions (Life Sciences), IVDeology and Abingdon Analytical, which provide services covering regulatory strategy, quality management systems, technical file preparation, auditing, training and analytical evaluation.

Through its development, manufacturing and consulting operations, Abingdon works with customers seeking regulatory approval and commercial production of diagnostic products in the UK, European Union, United States and other international markets.

Arkle Resources PLC (LSE:ARK) has reported uranium mineralisation across eight of nine reconnaissance reverse circulation (RC) drill holes at its primary uraniferous leucogranite (ULG) target on exploration licence EPL 8995 in Namibia’s Erongo region.

The company said the drilling identified uranium grades exceeding 100 parts per million (ppm) U₃O₈ across an area measuring approximately 1.4 kilometres by 0.6 kilometres, providing initial information on the extent of mineralisation at the prospect.

The results form part of Arkle’s exploration programme targeting uranium deposits associated with leucogranite formations, a geological setting also found at several established uranium projects in Namibia.

According to the company, eight of the nine reconnaissance holes intersected mineralisation above 100 ppm U₃O₈, with several drill holes ending within mineralised material. This indicates that the full depth extent of the identified mineralisation has not yet been established.

Drill hole R069 returned the most extensive mineralisation reported in the programme, with uranium present from surface to the end of the hole. The company identified multiple mineralised intervals, including thicker sections and higher-grade zones exceeding 200 ppm U₃O₈.

Arkle said the mineralisation includes uranium-bearing sheets within the leucogranite system. Further drilling will be required to determine their continuity, geometry and distribution across the target area.

The company compared the uranium grades encountered at the ULG prospect with those reported at regional deposits, including Etango, Norasa and Omahola. These projects provide geological reference points for Arkle’s ongoing assessment of the Erongo licence area.

Arkle is investigating the potential for a bulk-tonnage uranium deposit that could be suitable for open-pit extraction. However, the current reconnaissance results do not establish a mineral resource, and additional exploration will be necessary to assess the deposit’s size and characteristics.

A follow-up drilling programme is scheduled to begin in November, subject to contractor availability. The company said the programme is fully funded and will focus on testing mineralisation at greater depths, reducing drill spacing and examining lateral extensions beyond the areas already investigated.

The planned work is intended to provide further information on the continuity of uranium-bearing zones and support the geological interpretation of the ULG system.

Alongside drilling at the primary target on EPL 8995, Arkle intends to undertake systematic exploration of additional leucogranite targets within its Namibian licence portfolio.

The company also holds exploration interests on EPL 8290, where further targets form part of its broader uranium exploration activities in the Erongo region.

Arkle’s exploration strategy includes geological mapping, geophysical surveys, geochemical sampling, trenching and drilling to identify and evaluate prospective uranium-bearing formations.

The company is investigating both primary leucogranite-hosted uranium mineralisation and near-surface calcrete deposits, allowing it to assess different geological styles across its licence areas.

Arkle said the next phase of exploration is intended to advance the project towards an initial mineral resource estimate. The timing and scope of any future resource assessment will depend on the results of additional drilling and geological evaluation.

The November programme will provide further data on the depth and lateral extent of the mineralisation identified during the reconnaissance campaign.

About Arkle Resources PLC

Arkle Resources PLC is a London-listed mineral exploration company focused on identifying and evaluating uranium deposits in Namibia.

Its Erongo uranium project includes exploration licences targeting uranium mineralisation associated with leucogranite formations and near-surface calcrete deposits.

The company’s licence portfolio includes EPL 8995 and EPL 8290, where exploration activities are directed towards identifying uranium-bearing geological structures and assessing their potential for further development.

The Erongo region hosts several established uranium projects, including Trekkopje, Norasa and Omahola, which provide regional geological context for Arkle’s exploration activities.

Arkle’s work programmes combine geological mapping, geochemical analysis, geophysical investigations and drilling to evaluate prospective mineralised areas.

The company aims to progress selected targets through further exploration and towards the definition of mineral resources, subject to the results of ongoing technical work.

Bytes Technology Group (LSE:BYIT) reported an 18.7% increase in revenue for the six months ended 31 August 2026, alongside growth in gross profit and gross invoiced income, as the software and IT services provider expanded its activities across public and private sector markets.

Gross invoiced income increased 19.6% compared with the corresponding period last year, while gross profit rose 17.8%. The company reported growth across its software, services and hardware operations, with public sector gross profit increasing 23.1% and private sector gross profit rising 14.6%.

Earnings per share increased 6.1% during the period, while the interim dividend was raised by 3.1%.

Bytes said its sector-focused sales structure contributed to performance across both customer segments. The group operates through its Bytes and Phoenix businesses, which primarily serve private and public sector customers, respectively.

Existing customers accounted for more than 98% of gross profit during the first half, with the company reporting a renewal rate of 115.7%. The figure reflects continued business from established customer relationships, including additional spending within the existing customer base.

Services income increased 41%, supported by demand for managed services and cyber security offerings. The company has been expanding its technical delivery capabilities to support customers requiring software management, security and infrastructure services.

Average gross profit per employee rose 13% compared with the prior-year period. Bytes attributed the increase partly to the contribution from employees recruited in earlier periods, as the group continued developing its sales and technical operations.

Following the reporting period, Bytes agreed to acquire CyberOne, a provider of managed cyber security services. The proposed transaction will add round-the-clock security monitoring and management capabilities to the group’s existing service portfolio.

The company expects the acquisition to contribute positively to earnings in FY28, although financial terms of the agreement were not included in the supplied update.

Bytes also reiterated its upgraded full-year guidance, citing demand across software, artificial intelligence, cyber security and IT infrastructure.

Management expects changes to Microsoft’s partner incentive arrangements to have a positive impact on the business. The group maintains commercial relationships with major technology providers, including Microsoft, through its software licensing and services operations.

The company reported a cash balance of £68 million at the end of the first half, following £41 million of shareholder returns, including the completion of a £25 million share buyback programme.

Cash conversion during the period was consistent with the group’s usual seasonal pattern, under which a greater proportion of cash generation occurs in the second half of the financial year.

Bytes also identified approximately £4.5 million of expected full-year cost normalisation associated with employee bonuses and share-based payments returning to typical levels. These costs form part of the group’s financial outlook for the remainder of the year.

The company continues to develop its sector-focused sales operations and technical service capabilities, including the use of artificial intelligence tools within internal processes.

With the proposed CyberOne acquisition and its existing managed services activities, Bytes plans to expand its cyber security offering while maintaining its software licensing, cloud and infrastructure operations.

About Bytes Technology Group

Bytes Technology Group Plc is a UK-listed provider of software, cloud, artificial intelligence, cyber security and IT infrastructure solutions, serving organisations across the United Kingdom and Ireland.

The group operates through two principal businesses, Bytes and Phoenix, which provide software licensing, technology procurement, managed services and related technical support to private and public sector customers.

Its services include software asset management, cloud infrastructure, cyber security and technology consultancy, with Microsoft technologies representing an important part of its commercial offering.

Bytes has been developing its sector-specific sales structure, expanding technical delivery resources and introducing artificial intelligence tools into internal operations to support sales and service delivery.

The group works with established technology vendors and provides licensing and managed services to organisations with ongoing software, infrastructure and security requirements.

Oxford Instruments (LSE:OXIG) reported an increase of nearly 44% in group order intake during the first half of its financial year, alongside revenue growth of approximately 8% and an improvement of more than 100 basis points in adjusted operating margin.

The FTSE 250 scientific technology company also reported net cash of £75 million, supported by improved cash conversion and working capital management. Management said its order book provides substantial coverage for the second half and maintained confidence in meeting full-year market expectations.

The Advanced Technologies division recorded order growth of more than 125%, supported by contracts associated with volume manufacturing for data communications applications. The division’s order book now extends into the 2028 financial year and covers its expected revenue for FY27.

Revenue in Advanced Technologies increased by approximately 26% during the first half as Oxford Instruments expanded production capacity and supply chain operations to accommodate customer demand. Adjusted operating margins also increased despite additional investment in the division.

The Imaging and Analysis division reported double-digit growth in order intake, with demand from semiconductor and materials science customers contributing to the increase.

Revenue in the division rose by approximately 2% to 3%, reflecting a more moderate rate of growth than orders. The company said smaller product lines continued rebuilding their order books following a period of higher activity in the preceding quarter.

Adjusted operating margins in Imaging and Analysis improved compared with the corresponding period last year. Oxford Instruments is continuing to invest in customer-facing capabilities and operational risk management as part of its divisional development plans.

At group level, free cash flow increased compared with the prior-year period. The improvement reflected changes in working capital management, reduced adjusting items and the elimination of pension contributions.

Oxford Instruments also provided an update on its £100 million share buyback programme. By the end of September, the company had completed £83 million of repurchases and expects to conclude the remaining programme early in the new year.

Management attributed the first-half performance to progress in implementing its strategy and increased customer demand for its process and platform technologies.

The company said its operational priorities include expanding manufacturing capacity, developing supply chain arrangements and improving its service capabilities to support existing and future orders.

Oxford Instruments continues to serve customers in semiconductor manufacturing, materials analysis and data communications, with the Advanced Technologies division’s order book providing visibility into future financial periods.

The company maintained its expectation of meeting full-year market forecasts, supported by its existing order book and planned operational expansion.

About Oxford Instruments

Oxford Instruments is a UK-based scientific technology company listed on the London Stock Exchange and included in the FTSE 250 index.

Founded in 1959 as a technology spin-out from the University of Oxford, the company develops and supplies scientific instruments, analytical systems and associated technologies to academic institutions, research organisations and industrial customers.

Its operations include Imaging and Analysis and Advanced Technologies, serving applications in semiconductor manufacturing, materials science, healthcare, life sciences and data communications.

The company focuses on developing scientific instrumentation and manufacturing technologies for research and industrial applications, alongside investment in production capacity and international customer support.

The World Steel Association has revised its global steel consumption forecasts downwards, predicting a slight contraction in demand during 2026 as weakness in China’s property sector and disruptions associated with the US-Israeli conflict with Iran weigh on the industry.

The association now expects worldwide steel demand to fall by 0.1% this year, compared with its April forecast for an increase of 0.3%.

Its outlook for 2027 has also been reduced, with consumption projected to grow by 1.7%, below the previously anticipated expansion of 2.2%.

The revisions indicate that the recovery in global steel demand is taking longer than expected, with regional construction activity, investment decisions and geopolitical developments continuing to influence consumption.

Alfonso Hidalgo de Calcerrada, chair of the association’s economics committee, said the anticipated improvement in the market was proving slower and more gradual than earlier projections suggested.

The latest assessment highlights substantial differences between major steel-consuming regions, with China and Europe facing weaker conditions while India continues to expand.

Chinese Property Downturn Extends Pressure on Steel Consumption

China remains a major contributor to the weaker global outlook, with steel demand forecast to decline by 2% in 2026.

The association said the country’s prolonged property market downturn has continued beyond its previous expectations, limiting the recovery in steel consumption.

China’s construction industry is a significant source of demand for steel products, making developments in residential and commercial property activity particularly important for the sector.

Continued weakness in property development therefore remains a challenge for steel producers exposed to the Chinese market.

European demand is also expected to deteriorate this year.

The association now forecasts a 0.3% decline in steel consumption across the European Union and Britain, replacing its earlier projection of 1.3% growth.

The downward revision reflects a slower and more uneven recovery in construction activity than previously anticipated.

The weaker outlook suggests that demand from European building and infrastructure projects may remain subdued, limiting the pace of recovery for regional steel suppliers.

Middle East Conflict Delays Gulf Construction Projects

The Gulf is expected to experience one of the sharpest declines in steel consumption during 2026 as the conflict involving Iran disrupts economic activity and investment planning.

World Steel Association forecasts an 11% contraction in regional steel demand this year, followed by growth of 11.3% in 2027.

The organisation indicated that the expected decline largely reflects delays to planned construction and infrastructure activity rather than the permanent cancellation of demand.

“What we observe (in the Gulf) is not the destruction of demand but its deferral, as project awards, construction starts and financing decisions are pushed back while the security situation remains unresolved,” Hidalgo de Calcerrada said.

He explained that the region could experience a strong recovery once security concerns ease, the Strait of Hormuz reopens and disrupted supply chains return to normal operations.

The waterway is an important international shipping route, and interruptions to maritime trade can affect the movement of commodities and materials required for industrial and construction projects.

The projected rebound in Gulf demand during 2027 consequently remains dependent on improvements in regional security and the resumption of postponed investment.

India Provides Growth as Global Recovery Slows

India remains the fastest-growing major steel market, according to the association’s updated projections.

Steel consumption in the country is expected to increase by 7.9% in 2026, followed by an 8% rise in 2027.

The forecasts indicate that Indian demand will continue expanding at a considerably faster rate than consumption in other major markets.

India’s projected growth contrasts with the decline expected in China and the weaker conditions facing European steel consumers.

However, the positive outlook for India is not sufficient to prevent the association from forecasting a slight contraction in worldwide demand during 2026.

The revised figures suggest that global steel consumption will remain uneven, with stronger growth in selected markets offset by continued weakness elsewhere.

For steel producers, the outlook points to a challenging operating environment shaped by construction activity, regional investment trends and geopolitical uncertainty.

Although demand is expected to return to growth in 2027, the reduced forecast indicates that the recovery may be less pronounced than previously anticipated.

AEP Plantation (LSE:AEP) shares declined more than 8% on Monday after the oil palm plantation operator warned that El Niño conditions and prolonged dry weather could affect fresh fruit bunch production in 2027, despite reporting higher output for the first nine months of 2026.

The London-listed company said potential weather-related disruption could weigh on future yields, although it expects crude palm oil prices to remain supported during the fourth quarter of 2026 by food-sector demand, firm energy markets and Indonesia’s planned B50 biodiesel programme.

The warning accompanied a trading update showing growth across the group’s main production categories in the nine months ended 30 September 2026.

Own fresh fruit bunch production increased 13% year on year to 924,500 tonnes, compared with 816,200 tonnes in the corresponding period of 2025.

Crude palm oil production rose 18% to 379,200 tonnes from 321,600 tonnes, while palm kernel output advanced 17% to 93,100 tonnes from 79,600 tonnes.

The company attributed the increases primarily to higher production in South Sumatra, supported by its acquisition of Pinago Plantations, and improved output from operations in Bengkulu.

AEP Plantation reported net cash after borrowings of $99.0 million at 30 September, compared with $232.3 million at the end of 2025.

The reduction largely reflected acquisition expenditure, including $160.2 million for Pinago Plantations and $8.4 million for Admiral Potential Sdn Bhd and PT Jaya Jadi Utama.

The group also returned $33.2 million to shareholders through dividend payments and share repurchases during the period.

An interim dividend of 3.73 US cents per share was declared, unchanged from the comparable payment a year earlier.

Looking ahead, AEP Plantation expects the continued recovery in production and additional contributions from Pinago to support its full-year financial performance.

The board maintained its confidence in meeting market expectations for 2026, despite identifying potential production risks associated with drier weather conditions in 2027.