Magnetic storms in January: Key dates and health risks

Detailed forecast of magnetic storms in January

According to international solar activity monitoring centers, the geomagnetic situation in January is expected to develop in waves, with spikes and periods of relative calm.

The first month of the year will start with moderate magnetic storms:

• January 1–4 – moderate activity at Kp-4 level with spikes up to Kp-5–6 (red level). The peak is expected on Friday, January 2, and in the morning on Saturday, January 3—possible symptoms: fatigue, headache, drowsiness, emotional instability.

• January 9–10 – a new wave is expected. Forecast level – Kp 5–6 (red level). On such days, weather-sensitive people most often report blood pressure spikes, migraines, and sleep disturbances.

• January 12–14 – prolonged moderate magnetic storm with short spikes up to Kp-5.

• January 16–20 – strong magnetic storm lasting several days. Expected level – up to Kp-5–6.

• January 25–27 – the final storm of the month. Another moderate spike is expected at the end of January. Forecast level: Kp 4 with short spikes up to Kp-5. Well-being may worsen due to exhaustion after a long month.

What magnetic storms are and why they are dangerous

Magnetic storms are disturbances of the Earth's magnetic field caused by solar flares and coronal mass ejections. Streams of charged particles affect not only technology and communications but also human biological rhythms.

The most sensitive systems are:

• Cardiovascular system;

• Nervous system;

• Hormonal balance;

Who will be most affected by magnetic storms in January

People at risk include:

• Weather-sensitive individuals;

• People with hypertension and heart disease;

• Those with chronic migraines;

• People with sleep disorders;

• Elderly people;

• Pregnant women;

Main symptoms during magnetic storms

Doctors warn that during periods of high activity, the following may occur:

• Headache and migraine;

• Weakness, heavy legs;

• Dizziness, nausea;

• Sleep disturbances;

• Blood pressure spikes;

• Chest pain;

• Irritability and anxiety;

• Decreased concentration

• Exacerbation of chronic diseases;

What not to do on days of magnetic storms

To avoid worsening your condition, doctors advise avoiding:

• Excessive caffeine and alcohol;

• Heavy physical exertion;

• Staying up late and lack of sleep;

• Emotional conflicts;

• Arbitrary discontinuation of prescribed medications;

How to ease your condition: advice for January

• Sleep at least 7–8 hours;

• Drink plenty of water;

• Daily walks even in frost;

• Regular ventilation of living spaces;

• Light, nutritious, warm meals;

• Rest as needed;

• Do not forget to take the medications prescribed by your doctor.

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.