Powerful magnetic storm on March 26: forecast and when it will end

Magnetic storms are a common phenomenon for the Earth, they occur regularly, but with varying intensity. On Wednesday, March 26, the inhabitants of the planet again encountered this natural phenomenon. Over the past few weeks, the Earth's geomagnetic activity has been unstable, which has had an impact on the health of people suffering from chronic diseases. When the geomagnetic disturbances will end and how to counteract their effect on the body — in the Izvestia material.

Magnetic storm on March 26, 2025

Magnetic storms are one of the most important elements of solar-terrestrial physics and its practical part, which is defined by the term "space weather". Magnetic storms are called disturbances of the planet's magnetic field, which are caused by fluctuations in the Sun. They last for several hours, sometimes the duration can reach several days.

Magnetic storms affect Earth's satellite and other technologies, as well as affect the condition of the planet's inhabitants.

According to forecasts from the Solar Astronomy Laboratory of the Space Research Institute and the Institute of Solar-Terrestrial Physics of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, magnetic storms were expected on March 26 and 27, with the situation returning to normal on March 28.

On March 26, in the morning, there was a peak in solar activity, which led to increased geomagnetic disturbances. The strength of the magnetic storm reached 6 points on the K-index, which corresponds to the G2 level.

Magnetic storms in 2025 - schedule by month: the most dangerous dates for the meteorological sensitives

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

How magnetic storms occur

Magnetic storms occur due to the interaction of solar streams of charged particles with the Earth's magnetic field. The main reason for their occurrence is coronal mass ejections and solar flares, which lead to huge volumes of plasma and energetic particles entering space.

When this current reaches the Earth, it comes into contact with the magnetosphere, a natural barrier protecting our planet. If the solar wind is strong enough, it can disrupt the structure of the magnetic field, which causes fluctuations and other disturbances. This, in turn, leads to the appearance of magnetic storms.

In 1999, the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration created the G-Index to classify the power of magnetic storms.

G1-level magnetic storms are most common, causing minor disruptions to satellites. Storms of moderate intensity, G2, can lead to voltage surges, damage to transformers and interference in radio communications. G3-level storms create problems with navigation satellites. More powerful G4 storms can cause electric currents to appear in wires and metal objects.

Rare and powerful G5-level storms can cause serious disruptions to satellites and power grids.

How magnetic storms affect humans

Doctors agree that magnetic storms can affect people with cardiovascular diseases who are predisposed to high or low blood pressure.

As a rule, healthy people do not feel the effects of magnetic storms on the body. However, disorders of the autonomic system increase susceptibility to meteorological changes.

One of the most noticeable effects of magnetic storms are headaches and migraines. Changes in the magnetic field can affect the nervous system, causing increased excitability and sensitivity. People with migraines are particularly sensitive to the effects of such weather events. In addition, during periods of geomagnetic activity, the frequency of headaches in people suffering from hypertension increases. First of all, this is due to changes in atmospheric pressure and circulatory disorders.

The cardiovascular system is also subject to changes due to the occurrence of magnetic storms. There may be a rapid heartbeat, high or low blood pressure.

Solar flares and coronal ejections can disrupt the endocrine system, in particular, the thyroid gland. This can lead to a worsening of the condition in people suffering from thyroid diseases. Such people may experience mood changes, fatigue, weakness, and irritability during periods of geomagnetic activity.

Magnetic storms negatively affect the quality of sleep. People who are sensitive to environmental changes may suffer from insomnia.

During periods of geomagnetic activity, people become more irritable, anxious, and prone to depressive moods. This is due to the fact that magnetic field disturbances can cause changes in the functioning of the central nervous system, which affects the emotional state. Sometimes such changes can manifest themselves in the form of unexplained fatigue, depression and deterioration of mood.

How to protect yourself from the effects of magnetic storms

During the period of geomagnetic activity, it is necessary to monitor blood pressure and pulse. Excessive physical activity should be avoided and alcohol, nicotine, and caffeine consumption should be minimized.

Regular exercise helps maintain normal blood flow and reduces the impact of external factors on the body. However, during periods of geomagnetic activity, physical activity should not be excessively intense.

Experts recommend drinking enough fluids to maintain a water-electrolyte balance, which has a strong impact on overall human health. It is important to pay attention to the diet and include foods rich in vitamins and minerals.

During the period of geomagnetic activity, relaxation techniques should be practiced, such as meditation or breathing exercises. This will help reduce stress levels and increase the body's resistance to external influences.

If symptoms of meteosensitivity are detected, it is necessary to regularly monitor forecasts of magnetic storms in order to prepare in advance and take the necessary precautions. If you feel unwell, you should consult with your doctor to receive individual recommendations and, if necessary, adjust the treatment of chronic diseases.