December begins with powerful magnetic storm: Timing and risk group
Photo: Will magnetic storms affect Ukraine from December 1 to 5 (Getty Images)
From December 1 to 5, increased geomagnetic activity is expected, with possible magnetic storms that may affect both people's well-being and the operation of technology. Individuals who are weather-sensitive or have chronic health conditions should be cautious. Below is an overview of the upcoming week's hazardous days, including who is at risk and how to reduce the impact of magnetic storms on the body.
Magnetic storm forecast for December 1-5
According to space weather forecasts, the first days of December will be marked by heightened geomagnetic activity.
December 1, Monday: moderate activity, Kp-4
December 2, Tuesday: the storm will begin to intensify, reaching Kp-5 in the evening
December 3, Wednesday: magnetic storm of G1 level (Kp 5–6)
December 4, Thursday: magnetic storm of G1 level (Kp 5–6), most noticeable for weather-sensitive people
December 5, Friday: gradual decrease in activity to a moderate level, Kp 3–4
What a magnetic storm is
A geomagnetic storm is a disturbance in Earth's magnetic field caused by streams of charged particles from the Sun. When they reach Earth, the magnetosphere responds with fluctuations that we experience as storms.
The intensity is measured on the Kp scale:
- Kp 3–4 is moderate activity, possible mild discomfort
- Kp 5–7 are strong disturbances affecting technology and well-being
How it affects technology
- Possible disruptions in GPS and satellite systems
- Failures in radio communication and transmission lines
- Voltage fluctuations in power grids
How storms affect people
Even moderate fluctuations may cause:
- Headache
- Higraine
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Sleepiness
- Mood swings
- Reduced concentration and attention
- Weakness
- Irritability
- Flare-ups of chronic conditions
Who is at risk
- People with cardiovascular diseases
- Patients with hypertension
- Weather-sensitive and weather-dependent individuals
- Older adults
- Patients with neurological or endocrine disorders
How to protect your body
- Maintain a regular sleep and eating schedule
- Avoid stress and overexertion
- Take daily walks in fresh air
- Ventilate indoor spaces
- Drink enough water
- Set aside time for rest
- Engage in moderate physical activity
- Limit coffee and energy drinks, avoid fatty and unhealthy foods, and alcohol
- People with chronic illnesses should keep necessary medications on hand
- Monitor forecasts and scientific warnings
Earlier, we revealed what foods increase the risk of migraines.
Sources: NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center, ESA Space Weather Coordination Centre, NASA Solar Dynamics Observatory, PMC, BioMed Central, Nature.
This material is for informational purposes only and should not be used for medical diagnosis or self-treatment. Our goal is to provide readers with accurate information about symptoms, causes, and methods of detecting diseases. RBС-Ukraine is not responsible for any diagnoses that readers may make based on materials from the resource. We do not recommend self-treatment and advise consulting a doctor in case of any health concerns.
