Feeling off in late July? Solar storms may be to blame - Here's how to cope
Will magnetic storms "hit" Ukraine from July 28 to August 1 (photo: Freepik.com)
Magnetic storms in the last days of July may cause worsening well-being for many people around the world. Scientists warn that in the coming days, the geomagnetic situation will be tense, and fluctuations may trigger headaches. What is known about magnetic storms from July 28 to August 1, and how to protect your health?
Magnetic storm forecast
According to the NOAA space observatory, magnetic storms will affect Earth from July 28 to August 1. The most intense impact is expected on the following days:
- July 28, Monday: G1 level storm (moderate)
- July 29, Tuesday: G2 level storm (strong)
- July 30, Wednesday: G1 level storm (moderate)
- July 31 to August 1: moderate geomagnetic disturbances, possible local flares
The peak of activity will drop on July 29, when problems with concentration, blood pressure, and sleep are most likely.
What is a magnetic storm?
Geomagnetic storms are caused by solar flares and coronal mass ejections (CMEs). During these flares, a large number of charged particles are released into space.
When these charged particles reach Earth, they disrupt the planet’s magnetic field. According to NOAA’s international scale, if the K-index exceeds 5 (G2), this is already a red-level storm, capable of affecting well-being.
How storms affect people
Geomagnetic fluctuations can impact both physical and emotional states. The most sensitive groups include:
- People with cardiovascular diseases
- Those who suffer from chronic headaches or migraines
- The elderly
- Children and teenagers during hormonal changes
- Pregnant women
The most common symptoms are:
- Headache
- Migraine
- Dizziness
- High blood pressure
- Weakness
- Poor sleep
- Irritability and mood swings
- Anxiety
- Fatigue
- Decreased concentration
What can help improve well-being
It’s impossible to protect yourself from magnetic storms completely, especially since they affect many bodily processes. However, it is possible to reduce their negative impact on the human body. To do this, you should:
- Avoid physical and emotional overload
- Drink more water (at least 1.5–2 liters a day)
- Reduce caffeine and alcohol intake
- Eat balanced meals
- Avoid exhaustion
- Rest more and sleep at least 7 hours
- Reduce screen time in the evening
- Engage in light physical activity such as walking or stretching
- Air out rooms, even in hot weather
When to see a doctor
If symptoms persist or worsen (for example, if your blood pressure spikes or you feel chest pain), consult a therapist or cardiologist. Magnetic storms can act as a trigger for issues, but are not their root cause.
You may be interested in:
- This pain was recognized as the most unbearable
- Reasons why you may often have headaches in the morning
Sources: SpaceWeatherLive.com (NOAA SWPC), Space Weather Prediction Center (NOAA).
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.
