Powerful magnetic storm hits Earth: forecast for several days
25 November 14:07
Today, November 25, an intense red-level magnetic storm has hit the Earth, which may affect the health of weather-dependent people. According to the Meteoagent service, geomagnetic activity will remain elevated for at least two days in a row, "Komersant Ukrainian" reports
According to experts, a storm of K-index 5 is expected on Tuesday, which corresponds to a storm of high intensity. Such a storm can cause headaches, fatigue, blood pressure fluctuations, and sleep problems in sensitive people.
Increased geomagnetic activity will continue the next day, November 26. Preliminary forecasts also indicate a K-index of five, which means that the tense situation in the magnetosphere will remain.
According to Meteoagent’s forecast, on November 27, the intensity of the disturbance will decrease to 4 points according to the K-index, which is a yellow hazard level corresponding to an average magnetic storm.
It should be noted that the forecast is subject to change, as solar activity researchers update their data every three hours.
The storm is caused by solar flares
Astronomers explain that powerful solar flares that occurred a few days ago released streams of charged particles into space. They reached the Earth’s magnetic field, causing the current disturbance.
Such phenomena can last from several hours to two days, depending on the intensity of the solar wind.
What is happening now
The Sun’s activity has remained elevated for more than a week. The streams of charged particles that reach the Earth cause disturbances in the magnetic field of our planet. Such phenomena are especially common during the peak of the solar cycle, which is currently underway.
Astronomers’ forecasts are updated every three hours, so the level of the magnetic storm can change. The activity is measured by the planetary K-index:
- 0-4 – calm geomagnetic situation,
- 5-6 – moderate storm,
- 7-9 – a severe storm that can affect technology and human health.
Who is most sensitive to magnetic storms
Not all people react to geomagnetic fluctuations. However, the most sensitive are:
- hypertensive and hypotensive patients,
- people with cardiovascular diseases
- those prone to emotional fluctuations, stress, and insomnia.
The following symptoms may occur during a storm
- headache, dizziness;
- high blood pressure or palpitations;
- fatigue, irritability, insomnia;
- decreased concentration.
How to reduce the impact of magnetic storms
Doctors advise following simple rules to help the body survive magnetic fluctuations more easily:
- Drink more water to help stabilize blood pressure.
- Get enough sleep – at least 7 hours of sleep.
- Avoid stress and conflicts.
- Reduce the consumption of coffee, alcohol, and heavy foods.
- Go outdoors and take light walks.
- If you have a chronic illness, do not skip taking your medications.
