Magnetic storms to strike again: How to protect your health

Magnetic storm forecast from April 21 to 26

April 21 (Monday). A moderate magnetic storm with a K-index of 4. Toward the evening, the situation will begin to change, and geomagnetic activity will intensify. Possible ailments and headaches.

April 22 (Tuesday). A strong magnetic storm of G2 level with a K-index of 6. Such a storm causes poor well-being in many people, drowsiness, headaches, and a drop in activity.

April 23 (Wednesday). The peak of the magnetic storm will reach G3 (K-index 7). It may affect not only people’s well-being but also the functioning of equipment and communication.

April 24 (Thursday). Geomagnetic activity will begin to decrease, but for most of the day, the indicators will remain at the G2 level (K-index 5–6). Many people will feel unwell.

April 25 (Friday). A moderate geomagnetic activity at the G1 level (K-index 4). Possible emotional swings, severe fatigue, decreased concentration, and weakness.

April 26 (Saturday). The geomagnetic field stabilizes, and no more than a K-index 2 is expected.

It is worth noting that all scientific forecasts are preliminary, since solar activity is very changeable and the situation can change even several times a day. Therefore, scientists advise monitoring information and warnings.

What is a magnetic storm?

It is the Earth's magnetic field’s reaction to solar plasma emissions. It causes disturbances that can affect electronics, communication, as well as biological processes in the human body.

How magnetic storms affect people

It is scientifically proven that magnetic storms affect human well-being and daily activity. First and foremost, changes in geomagnetic conditions are felt by the elderly, weather-sensitive individuals, infants, and people with chronic illnesses.

During strong magnetic storms, from a K-index of 4 and above, many people around the world may experience a deterioration in health.

Main symptoms:

• Headache
• Migraine
• Nausea
• Weakness
• Fatigue
• Insomnia at night and drowsiness during the day
• Blood pressure fluctuations
• Worsening of chronic illnesses
• Panic attacks
• Increased anxiety
• Irritability
• Apathy
• Depressive states
• Excessive emotionality
• Decreased concentration and productivity
• Brain fog

The higher the magnetic storm indicators, the more symptoms a person may experience. During very strong magnetic storms, equipment malfunctions are also observed, especially in communication systems – mobile and radio communication, satellites, GPRS.

How to protect the body during magnetic storms

Doctors always provide patients with general recommendations for such days:

• Get enough sleep (7–9 hours)
• Drink plenty of water
• Do not overload the body physically or mentally
• Postpone important matters, long trips, and strenuous physical exercises to another day
• Eat a full and balanced diet, add plenty of vegetables and fruits
• Avoid: too much coffee, energy drinks, alcohol, unhealthy food, cigarettes
• Avoid stress and conflicts
• Be sure to walk in the fresh air
• Ventilate rooms
• Go to bed earlier and try to spend the evening calmly
• People with chronic illnesses should keep necessary medications on hand
• If your health significantly worsens, seek medical help

You may be interested in:

• Can weather changes affect a person’s well-being
• Why headaches often occur in the morning – 5 most common reasons

Sources: NOAA, NASA, Space Weather Prediction Center

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.