According to the forecast of the NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center, a change in the level of geomagnetic activity is expected for the next three days, from December 19 to 21.
- December 19 (Thursday) – a strong magnetic storm with a K-index of 5 , which corresponds to the red level. This level indicates strong geomagnetic activity.
- December 20 (Friday) – a weak magnetic storm with a K-index of 2 (green level) is expected.
- December 21 (Saturday) – weak geomagnetic activity with a K-index of 2.
Magnetic storm forecasts are updated every three hours, so it is recommended to monitor current data.
Health effects
Geomagnetic storms can have significant health effects, especially for people sensitive to changes in the Earth's magnetic field. The most common symptoms include:
- headache,
- dizziness,
- nausea,
- heartache,
- weakness,
- drowsiness,
- high blood pressure,
- joint and back pain.
Chronic diseases that require special attention during periods of magnetic storms may also worsen.
Recommendations during magnetic storms
To minimize the impact of storms on the body, doctors advise following these recommendations:
- Reduce your intake of fatty, fried, and spicy foods. Include more fruits, vegetables, and fish in your diet.
- Avoid coffee, alcohol, and cigarettes. Drink herbal teas instead.
- Ventilate the room and spend more time outdoors.
- Move more by maintaining physical activity, which will help reduce stress and improve your overall well-being.
What is a magnetic storm?
A magnetic storm is a disturbance in the Earth's magnetic field caused by active solar wind flows. It can last from several hours to several days and has an impact on both technology and human health. Magnetic storms can lead to malfunctions in spacecraft and electronic devices.
Scientists still cannot give an exact explanation for the impact of magnetic storms on humans, but many people report feeling worse during geomagnetic storms.
