Magnetic storms in March 2025: daily forecast, human impact

After a brief magnetic storm on March 9, the geomagnetic situation on Earth stabilized. No sharp increase in solar activity is expected until the end of the month, but minor disturbances in the planet's magnetic field will persist. Izvestia shares the forecast of magnetic storms for March.

What is a magnetic storm?

Magnetic storms are strong disturbances in the Earth's magnetic field that occur under the influence of solar activity. When a flare occurs on the surface of a star, a stream of charged particles is released into space. If it reaches our planet, the particles come into contact with the magnetosphere, causing disturbances of varying intensity and duration.

In most cases, changes in the Earth's magnetic field are harmless to both its inhabitants and electrical appliances. However, strong magnetic storms can trigger voltage fluctuations in power grids, affect the operation of satellite navigation and radio communications.

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To indicate the degree of deviation of the Earth's magnetic field from the norm, the Kp index is used, which is a scale from 0 to 9. Based on it, scientists determine the intensity of magnetic storms. Thus, level 5 disturbances correspond to a weak magnetic storm (G1). Level 6 is a medium magnetic storm (G2), 7 is a strong storm (G3), 8-9 is a very strong/extreme storm (G4 and G5). Disturbances at the 0-4 level are not considered a magnetic storm.

Magnetic Storm calendar for March 2025

On Sunday, March 9, G1 and G2 class magnetic storms were observed on Earth. However, by the middle of the next day, the geomagnetic situation had stabilized. According to the forecast of the Laboratory of Solar Astronomy of the IKI and the ISSF, the magnetic field of our planet will remain calm until March 13. The Kp index will stay at 2-4.

At the same time, experts from the IKI and the ISSF note that after March 13, an increase in the density and speed of the solar wind is expected. In this regard, a moderate increase in geomagnetic disturbances is possible. However, the probability of magnetic storms is estimated at only 20-30%, and their level is unlikely to exceed G1.

Increased geomagnetic activity is possible on March 14-15, but strong magnetic storms should not be expected. According to the forecast, the surface of the Sun will remain calm until the end of the month. A weak storm may start on March 27 with continued increased magnetic field disturbance the next day.

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It is important to keep in mind that a relatively accurate forecast of solar activity is made only for the next three days. Predictions for a week, a month, or more are more assumptions than facts, and the real picture of changes in the geomagnetic field may differ greatly from them.

The effect of magnetic storms on humans

The impact of magnetic storms on health is still not fully understood. Nevertheless, some experts believe that disturbances in the Earth's magnetic field can actually affect well-being.

As Ekaterina Demyanovskaya, a neurologist and expert at the Hemotest Laboratory, explained to Izvestia, minor changes occur in the body during magnetic storms: blood viscosity may increase, and the tone of capillary walls may change. All this affects blood flow and, consequently, well-being. At the same time, symptoms of malaise are more common in patients with chronic diseases, whereas healthy people usually do not notice changes in the magnetic field.

Among the most common complaints, the expert named heart failure, dizziness, headache and joint pain. Demyanovskaya added that if a storm lasts a long time and is accompanied by strong electromagnetic fluctuations, the bioelectric activity of the human brain is disrupted. Because of this, a condition similar to overwork may develop, which is characterized by drowsiness, dizziness, decreased performance, lethargy, pressure in the eyeballs and other unpleasant sensations.

To reduce the impact of magnetic storms, the doctor advised to follow a sleep pattern, exercise, walk outdoors and drink more water. According to the expert, special attention should be paid to nutrition. It is recommended to avoid fatty foods, as well as alcohol, coffee and energy drinks, consume more protein (lean meat, fish, eggs, milk) and fruits. All this, the expert believes, will help reduce sensitivity to geomagnetic disturbances and survive the storm without losses.

Earlier, Mikhail Ignatov, an orthopedic traumatologist at the ORTHECA network, told Izvestia about the effect of magnetic storms on joints.