The major configurations aside, don’t be surprised if solar flares kick up around the 8th and 16th. Depending on the magnitude of the flares, this can be accompanied by phenomena as benign as extravagant auroral displays to more serious manifestations such as disruptions to electronic equipment, satellite networks and electrical infrastructure. (Last month’s collapse of northern India’s power grid came during a period of M-class solar flares during a Mercury Max.)
Apart from direct electro-magnetic action as seen in aurora and disruption of electronic equipment and electrical grids, solar flares are often accompanied by an increase in strong storms. Dump a few million extra Gigawatts of energy into the atmosphere, and you stir things up! The storm and seismic stress window is already wide open as the month begins, anchored by the August 2 full moon and the Moon’s northward equatorial crossing on the 4th: severe storms with high winds and heavy precipitation will likely make big news, along with moderate-to-severe earthquakes (Magnitude 5+) and volcanic eruptions. I’m not expecting Katrina- or Krakatoa-class stuff here, but big ones in their own right.
A similar batch of storm and seismic action is due from about the 14th through the 20th, associated with the new moon on the 17th. Remember, this time span includes the 16th, a solar flare risk factor. Power, transportation and communication infrastructure are doubly vulnerable, both from geomagnetic storms and the atmospheric variety. A good time to have fresh batteries and a fueled-up generator, at the least; not to mention a go bag at the ready, and a handy stock of bottled water, canned and/or dried foods, etc. And if you happen to be in transit, be prepared for weather-related delays that can play havoc with schedules and connections. The month ends on a similarly shaky note, associated with the full moon on the 31st. This one sets up a storm and seismic stress window extending from the 28th through to September 3.
http://www.astropro.com/forecast/predict/2012-08.html