Last days of November come with magnetic storms affecting people differently
Will magnetic storms affect Ukraine in the last days of November (photo: Freepik.com)
From November 28 to December 1, increased geomagnetic activity is expected. Magnetic storms are possible, and they can affect both people's well-being and the operation of technology. Individuals with weather-sensitive conditions and people with chronic conditions should be especially cautious during this period. Below is information on when disturbances are expected, who may be affected, and how to reduce associated health risks.
Forecast of magnetic storms from 28 November to 1 December
According to the space weather forecast, periods of elevated geomagnetic activity are possible at the end of November. Throughout these days, weak to moderate disturbances of the magnetic field are expected, and on certain days, activity may reach the G1 level.
Under such conditions, disruptions in technology and a decline in well-being among sensitive individuals are possible.
Forecast by date:
28 November, Friday: possible fluctuations at Kp 4, a moderate magnetic storm.
29 November, Saturday: intensification to Kp 4-5, G1 levels possible.
30 November, Sunday: a G1 storm is forecast, with Kp 5 and a downward trend in the evening.
1 December, Monday: moderate disturbance, Kp 3-4, gradual decrease in activity.
Magnetic fluctuations may change depending on solar processes, so experts recommend monitoring updated forecasts.
Scientists also warn that a strong red-level magnetic storm is expected next week and may last several days.
What a magnetic storm is and how it forms
A magnetic storm is a reaction of Earth's magnetic field to streams of charged particles coming from the Sun. Coronal mass ejections and powerful solar flares are the primary causes of it.
The level of geomagnetic activity is measured on the Kp scale:
- Kp 3-4 is weak or moderate activity, possible mild discomfort.
- Kp 5-6 and higher are G1-G2 storm levels, which can affect technology and people's well-being.
How a magnetic storm affects technology
During increased activity, the following are possible:
- Disruptions in satellite systems and GPS
- Reduced navigation accuracy
- Unstable radio communication
- Voltage fluctuations in power grids and malfunctions in sensitive electronics
How a magnetic storm can affect people
Even moderate disturbances can cause:
- Headache or migraine
- Dizziness
- Fatigue and sleepiness
- Mood swings
- Concentration issues
- Flare-ups of chronic conditions
- Low energy and increased irritability
These symptoms are most common among individuals who are sensitive to changes in the weather.
Who is at risk
Storms may affect most noticeably:
- People with cardiovascular diseases
- Those with hypertension
- Weather-dependent and weather-sensitive individuals
- Older adults
- Patients with chronic neurological or endocrine disorders
How to prepare and reduce the impact
Experts recommend:
- Getting sufficient sleep
- Avoiding stress and overexertion
- Resting more and spending time outdoors
- Staying hydrated
- Avoiding physical and emotional overload
- People with chronic conditions should take prescribed medications and keep them on hand
- Monitoring updated geomagnetic activity forecasts
Earlier, we named the foods that 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.
