Magnetic storms this week may strike hard – Are you vulnerable?
Magnetic storms forecast for late February (photo: Freepik)
The end of February 2026 will be a serious test for people sensitive to weather changes. A series of powerful solar flares has triggered a stream of solar wind, which will reach our planet today.
RBC-Ukraine provides a detailed forecast of geomagnetic storms from February 23 to 28, how to protect your body, and which symptoms to watch for.
Geomagnetic storm calendar: what to expect
The last week of winter will be marked by increased solar activity. The geomagnetic situation will be unstable, with peak stress expected in the middle of the period.
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February 23, Monday. Start of activity. A weak geomagnetic storm is expected (K-index 3–4). Most people will feel only slight fatigue or drowsiness.
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February 24, Tuesday. Geomagnetic activity will increase to K-index 5, corresponding to G1–G2. This heightened intensity may cause severe headaches, blood pressure spikes, and exacerbation of chronic illnesses.
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February 25, Wednesday. Solar activity remains high, K-index 5 possible deterioration of well-being, drowsiness, and pressure fluctuations.
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February 26, Thursday. The geomagnetic storm subsides, but weather-sensitive people will still feel its effects.
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February 27, Friday. Gradual decline. The geomagnetic field will remain disturbed (K-index 4), with risks of irritability and sleep disturbances.
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February 28, Saturday. Stabilization. Activity levels will return to normal, but the body may still feel the echo of the storm as weakness.
What is a geomagnetic storm and how does it affect the body
A geomagnetic storm is a powerful disturbance of the Earth’s magnetic field caused by solar energy ejections. The solar wind reaches our planet and disrupts its electromagnetic balance — the human body reacts to this as stress.
It is important to understand that geomagnetic storms do not cause illnesses. However, they significantly exacerbate existing symptoms — especially in people with chronic conditions.
People most at risk:
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People with cardiovascular diseases
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Those with high or low blood pressure
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People suffering from chronic migraines
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Elderly people and children
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People under prolonged stress
How to tell if a storm is affecting you
The body reacts differently to geomagnetic activity, but the most common symptoms include:
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Head: dull or pulsating pain, feeling of pressure
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Sleep: insomnia at night or, conversely, extreme drowsiness during the day
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Blood pressure: sudden rises or drops without an apparent reason
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Nervous system: irritability, anxiety, difficulty concentrating
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Overall state: unexplained fatigue, feeling that everything is wrong
If several of these symptoms coincide on days of increased geomagnetic activity, your body is likely sensitive to storms.
Doctors’ advice: 8 practical tips
Monitor blood pressure twice a day
Morning and evening — mandatory. On geomagnetic storm days, pressure spikes occur unpredictably and can be dangerous for people with heart conditions. Record your readings — if deviations are significant, do not ignore them.
Replace intense workouts with a walk
Heavy physical activity during storm days places extra strain on the heart and blood vessels. Choose a calm walk, swimming, or yoga — even 20 minutes of moderate activity improves oxygen circulation and well-being.
Drink more water
Dehydration worsens headaches and fatigue — especially during geomagnetic activity. At least 1.5–2 liters per day. If plain water is difficult to drink, add herbal teas: mint, lemon balm, or chamomile to calm the nervous system and replace coffee.
Avoid coffee and alcohol
Both beverages increase vascular reactions and can trigger sudden blood pressure spikes, especially when the body is already overloaded. Better to avoid them on stormy days.
Ventilate rooms
Fresh air and moderate coolness help normalize blood vessels and reduce the feeling of heaviness in the head. Open a window for at least 10–15 minutes in the morning and before bedtime.
Go to bed earlier and at the same time
Sleep during geomagnetic storms is the best medicine. The body recovers at night, and the more stable the schedule, the better. Recommended: at least 7–9 hours. If you cannot sleep, herbal tea and a ventilated room help more than sleeping pills.
Postpone important decisions
Geomagnetic storms reduce concentration and increase anxiety — even in people who usually do not feel them physically. Complex negotiations, big purchases, and important conversations are better postponed by a few days.
Go for a walk
Even a calm 20-minute walk significantly improves oxygen circulation and helps the body cope with geomagnetic stress. No headphones, no phone — just walk.
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.