Magnetic storm peak ahead: How to reduce pressure and fatigue

Detailed forecast for December 22-27

According to international monitoring systems, the geomagnetic situation during the last week of the year is expected to develop as follows:

• December 22, Monday – beginning of activity. The morning will be calm (Kp index 3), but by evening it may rise to Kp 5, a G1-level storm ranging from moderate to strong.

• December 23-25, Tuesday to Thursday – peak activity. Disturbances of level 5 are expected. Headaches and general weakness may accompany this high level.

• December 26, Friday – the storm will gradually subside, with readings dropping to Kp 4 (moderate disturbance) by evening.

• December 27, Saturday – The geomagnetic field will return to a relatively normal level (Kp 3), but people sensitive to weather may still experience residual effects.

What geomagnetic storms are and how they occur

Geomagnetic storms are disturbances in the Earth's magnetic field caused by solar flares. When streams of charged particles reach our planet, they interact with its protective layer, potentially causing disruptions in technology, communication systems, and affecting human biological rhythms. The cardiovascular and nervous systems are most sensitive to these changes.

Who is most affected by geomagnetic storms

Solar activity has the strongest impact on:

• People sensitive to weather changes.

• Individuals with hypertension or other cardiovascular conditions;

• Those suffering from chronic migraines or sleep disorders;

• People with emotional instability;

• Patients with chronic nervous system disorders;

• Elderly people and pregnant women;

Main symptoms

Doctors warn that during periods of strong geomagnetic fluctuations, the following symptoms may appear:

• Severe headaches;

• Sudden migraine attacks;

• Weakness;

• Rapid fatigue;

• Sleep disturbances;

• Dizziness and nausea;

• Blood pressure spikes and heart pain;

• Irritability and aggression;

• Difficulty concentrating;

• Exacerbation of chronic illnesses;

What to avoid during these days

To reduce the strain on the body during geomagnetic storms, doctors recommend avoiding:

• Excessive caffeine and alcohol, which increase stress on already tense blood vessels;

• Intense physical exertion; it’s better to postpone heavy workouts for a few days;

• Conflicts, as the nervous system is more excitable, and minor disputes can escalate into stress;

• Missing regular medication; keep necessary drugs on hand if you have chronic conditions.

How to ease symptoms for weather-sensitive people

• Maintain a sleep routine. Sleep 7-8 hours to give your body time to recover.

• Drink plenty of water to support the body under stress.

• Take walks outdoors. Moderate activity and fresh air help relieve tissue oxygen deficiency; ventilate rooms regularly.

• Take contrast showers if there are no medical restrictions; this helps blood vessels adapt to pressure changes.

• Eat a balanced diet. Include plenty of vegetables, fruits, greens, and nutrient-rich foods full of vitamins and minerals

Earlier, we wrote about 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.