Get ready for the weather-dependent: magnetic storms will cover the Earth on March 7 and 8

On the eve of International Women's Day, the Earth's magnetosphere has prepared an unexpected "gift" for the weather-dependent. According to scientists, on March 7 and 8, our planet may be overtaken by geomagnetic storms caused by powerful solar flares. Moreover, these cosmic storms will be the beginning of a long series of geomagnetic disturbances predicted by scientists throughout the month. Izvestia tells how powerful the upcoming magnetic storms will be and how weather—dependent people can prepare for them

Magnetic storms on March 7-8: when they come, activity

A magnetic storm is a disturbance of the Earth's magnetic field caused by solar flares. When powerful energy emissions occur on the surface of the "yellow dwarf", streams of charged particles called the solar wind appear in space. When they reach the Earth, they interact with its magnetic field, causing it to oscillate. It is this phenomenon that scientists call magnetic storms or geostorm. The frequency of magnetic storms depends on solar activity and can vary from several times a month to several times a day.

To assess the intensity of magnetic storms, the G index is used, which has a scale from G1 (weak) to G5 (extreme). The G1 index indicates weak disturbances that rarely affect the operation of the devices. The G2 and G3 indexes mean moderate and severe storms, respectively, which can cause problems with communications and navigation. The G4 and G5 indexes correspond to very strong and extreme storms that can seriously disrupt satellite systems and power grids.

According to scientists, magnetic storms of mild to moderate intensity are expected on March 7, corresponding to the G1 and G2 indices. The duration of the storm will range from several hours to a day, with peaks of activity in the morning and evening hours. According to the Laboratory of Solar Astronomy of the IKI and the Russian Academy of Sciences, the magnetosphere will remain in a relatively calm state with a probability of 82%. Magnetic storms will occur today with a probability of 15%.

The situation will begin to change on Saturday, March 8th. During the day, the Earth's magnetic field will gradually strengthen. The probability of a geomagnetic storm on International Women's Day is 45%. It will be calm in the morning, but activity will increase in the evening, reaching the G3 index.

The peak activity of the geomagnetic storm will occur the very next day, on March 9th. During this period, the Earth's magnetic field will be extremely unstable, and the activity index will reach G4, which corresponds to severe storms that can affect the operation of satellite systems, electrical appliances, and the well-being of weather-dependent people. Geomagnetic activity will increase periodically over the next week.

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Peak activity is expected on the Sun as early as this spring

Chart of magnetic storms in March 2025

According to scientists, from March 10 to March 15, the Earth's magnetosphere is likely to be in an excited state. Magnetic storms of moderate to severe activity are expected. The calmest day will be March 13, when the influence of the geomagnetic storm will be almost invisible to people.

From March 16 to March 26, a long period of favorable geomagnetic conditions is expected, when the percentage of storms is minimal. But on March 27 and 28, a strong geomagnetic storm may again cover the Earth for several hours, astrophysicists warn. In the last days of March, the situation is stabilizing: magnetic storms are highly likely not to disturb weather-dependent people from March 29 to March 31.

How magnetic storms affect humans

Magnetic storms can have a significant impact on the well-being of weather-dependent people. Scientists attribute this to a change in the Earth's electromagnetic field, which affects blood circulation and the functioning of the nervous system. During storms, people often complain of headaches, fatigue, insomnia, pressure spikes, palpitations, and exacerbation of chronic diseases. The emotional state may also worsen.: irritability, anxiety, and apathy appear.

Magnetic storms have a greater impact on people with chronic diseases, the elderly, pregnant women, children, and weather-dependent people. People with cardiovascular diseases, disorders of the nervous system, as well as those who experience problems with the musculoskeletal system, including arthritis and osteochondrosis, are especially sensitive to geomagnetic fluctuations.

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What to do for weather-dependent people during magnetic storms

To minimize the negative effects of magnetic storms on the body, doctors recommend following certain tips. During these stressful periods, it is important to follow a sleep pattern: go to bed and wake up at the same time, and avoid overwork. To maintain normal blood circulation, it is beneficial to drink more water and take a walk in the fresh air.

A contrast shower helps to cope with pressure fluctuations during magnetic storms, and doctors recommend performing breathing exercises and light gymnastics to reduce anxiety.

During a geomagnetic storm, the body is weakened, so experts advise eliminating heavy food, alcohol and coffee from the diet, giving preference to vegetables, fruits and light proteins. It is better to postpone intense physical activity to a more favorable time, otherwise there is a risk of overwork or injury.