Health alert: Earth faces multiple days of geomagnetic storms

Geomagnetic storm calendar: January 19–24

• January 19, Monday – the geomagnetic background begins to deteriorate. During the day, fluctuations of Kp-3 to Kp-4 are expected, corresponding to moderate magnetic storms. For most people, the day will pass without significant effects, but those sensitive to weather changes may experience fatigue, headaches, or drowsiness.

• January 20, Tuesday – a moderate magnetic storm of Kp-4 level, transitioning to Kp-5 (G1), is expected. On this day, headaches, reduced concentration, irritability, and sleep disturbances are possible.

• January 21, Wednesday – one of the most challenging days of the period. A red-level magnetic storm of Kp-5 (G1) is forecast. Possible effects include spikes in blood pressure, palpitations, general weakness, and exacerbation of chronic illnesses.

• January 22, Thursday – geomagnetic activity remains elevated. During the day, fluctuations of Kp-4 to Kp-5 are possible. Symptoms that appeared the day before may persist, especially in people with cardiovascular problems.

• January 23, Friday – activity gradually decreases. Kp-3 to Kp-4 is expected. Most people’s condition will begin to stabilize, though residual effects such as fatigue, headaches, and apathy may still occur in weather-sensitive individuals.

• January 24, Saturday – a relatively calm day. The geomagnetic background approaches normal levels (Kp-2 to Kp-3), and the body begins to recover after the prolonged period of disturbances.

What geomagnetic storms are and how they affect us

Geomagnetic storms are disturbances in the Earth’s magnetic field caused by solar flares and streams of solar wind. They can affect both technology and communication systems, as well as human well-being.

• Kp 2-3 – weak activity, usually not noticeable.

• Kp 4 – moderate fluctuations, mild discomfort possible.

• Kp 5 and above – strong magnetic storms (red level) that can affect health.

The most sensitive systems in the body are the nervous, cardiovascular, and hormonal systems.

Who is most affected by geomagnetic storms

Those most likely to react to geomagnetic disturbances include:

• People with cardiovascular diseases;

• Hypertensive and hypotensive individuals;

• Weather-sensitive and meteorosensitive people;

• Elderly people;

• Pregnant women;

• People with chronic illnesses;

• Those under prolonged stress or suffering from sleep disorders;

Possible symptoms

During geomagnetic storms, the following may occur:

• Headaches and migraines;

• Dizziness;

• Weakness and drowsiness;

• Fatigue;

• Irritability;

• Increased anxiety;

• Blood pressure spikes;

• Palpitations;

• Exacerbation of chronic diseases;

How to ease symptoms during geomagnetic storms

During periods of increased geomagnetic activity, doctors recommend:

• Avoiding overexertion;

• Maintaining a regular sleep schedule (7–9 hours);

• Drinking enough water;

• Eating a balanced diet;

• Limiting coffee and alcohol;

• Spending more time outdoors;

• Ventilating rooms regularly;

• Avoiding intense physical and emotional stress;

• Monitoring blood pressure.

People with chronic illnesses should follow their doctor’s recommendations and keep necessary medications on hand.

You may also be interested in:

• Can cold weather really make you sick in winter?

• How many times a day should you eat to lose weight?

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.