Powerful geomagnetic storm approaching Earth — Who is at risk

Earlier forecasts for this week were calm, but now meteorologists warn of a high-intensity geomagnetic storm that may affect not only people’s well-being but also the operation of communication systems.

Magnetic storm forecast

Just yesterday, solar activity was considered moderate, but the situation changed rapidly due to a sudden coronal mass ejection.

The storm is expected to reach a K-index level of 6 or 7 (G2) at its peak, classified as a powerful red-level storm. The geomagnetic storm will begin on the evening of December 17 and last with peak activity for the next 48 hours.

This is caused by a giant sunspot releasing a stream of ionized particles moving toward Earth at over one million kilometers per hour.

What is a magnetic storm

A geomagnetic storm is a disturbance of Earth's magnetic field caused by a flow of charged particles ejected from the Sun during flares. Intensity is measured using the Kp-index:

• Kp 2-4 — Minimal To Moderate Activity, Slight Discomfort Possible.

• Kp 5-7 And Above — Strong Disturbances Affecting Technology And Well-Being.

How it affects technology

During strong magnetic storms, the following are usually possible:

• Interruptions In GPS And Satellite Systems;

• Disruptions In Radio Communication And Communication Lines;

• Voltage Fluctuations In Power Grids;

Who will feel the storm

Storms of this level usually affect a large portion of the population, but the highest risk is for:

• People Sensitive To Weather Changes, Whose Bodies React Sharply To Atmospheric Fluctuations;

• Individuals With Cardiovascular Conditions (Possible Blood Pressure Spikes, Arrhythmia);

• People With Chronic Illnesses, Including Migraines And Joint Problems;

• Elderly Individuals And Those Under Significant Psychological Or Emotional Stress;

Main symptoms

Medical experts warn that during active geomagnetic fluctuations, the following symptoms may occur:

• Severe Headache And Sudden Migraine Attacks;

• Weakness, Rapid Fatigue, And Sleep Disturbances (Insomnia Or Excessive Drowsiness);

• Dizziness And Nausea;

• Blood Pressure Spikes And Chest Pain;

• Increased Anxiety And Irritability;

How to protect yourself: doctors' advice

To better cope with periods of high solar activity, experts recommend following simple rules:

• Balanced Diet — Avoid Fatty, Spicy, And Overly Salty Foods. Prefer Light Meals And Vegetables;

• Hydration — Drink Plenty Of Clean Water Or Herbal Teas. Avoid Coffee And Alcohol As They Strain Blood Vessels;

• Sleep Routine — Go To Bed At The Same Time And Rest At Least 7-8 Hours;

• Minimize Stress And Physical Load — Avoid Intense Workouts And Stressful Situations; Replace With Light Walks Outdoors;

• Keep Medicines Handy — If You Have Chronic Conditions, Keep Necessary Medications Within Reach.

Earlier, we wrote about 5 foods that increase the risk of migraine.

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.