Magnetic storms in July: a strong wave will cover the Earth more than once before the end of the month

The geomagnetic situation in the second half of July will be unsettled. Magnetic storms can cover the Earth for the rest of the day, and the main source of disturbances is an unusually shaped coronal hole in the Sun. In general, the situation will be calm in the coming days, and then a new surge of activity is possible. About when to expect magnetic storms in July and how they will affect humans, see the Izvestia article.

When the magnetic storm covers the Earth

Magnetic storms may continue on Earth until the end of the day on July 14 after the solar flare over the weekend, but they will not be strong. This was announced on July 13 at the Laboratory of Solar Astronomy of the IKI and the ISSF RAS. According to their data, the geomagnetic situation remains moderately disturbed with the possibility of short-term weak storms.

However, in general, solar activity remains elevated, and there is a risk of increased geomagnetic disturbances, and hence the appearance of new storms on Earth.

The main source of disturbances is an unusually shaped coronal hole in the Sun, which formed a long time ago, but the streams of fast solar wind from it have reached the Earth only now and will affect the magnetic field for about another day.

What kind of magnetic storms to expect in July

In the second half of July 2025, several days with moderate and weak magnetic storms (3-5 points on the Kp scale) are expected, and several days with strong storms, extreme geomagnetic storms are not predicted.

From July 14 to July 20, the geomagnetic situation will be mostly calm — the activity level will remain at the "green" level (about 3 points), which will not cause serious violations.

However, an increase in activity is forecast from July 21. At this time, an "orange" level (4 points) is expected, and on July 22 and 23, a strong magnetic storm of the "red" level (5 points) is expected, which can cause headaches, pressure surges and navigation disruptions. After that, from July 24 to July 27, activity will decrease to the "green" level, and on July 28 and 29 it is expected to rise again to the "orange" level (4 points). At the end of the month, solar activity will decrease.

Earlier it was reported about a sharp increase in solar flare activity, which has a global character. So, on the morning of June 12, two strong class M flares were recorded. They did not pose a direct threat to the Earth, however, many people felt the effects of the storm that came on Sunday, July 13.

How magnetic storms affect humans

Solar flares are classified into five levels: A, B, C, M, and X. They are often accompanied by plasma emissions, which, reaching the Earth, can cause magnetic storms. The most powerful outbreak of 2025 was recorded on the last day of spring.

Magnetic storms are temporary disturbances of the Earth's magnetic field that are caused by interaction with streams of charged particles emanating from the Sun, mainly during solar flares and coronal mass ejections. These streams of particles are called the "solar wind", and when they reach the Earth's magnetosphere, they cause fluctuations and disturbances in its magnetic field.

Magnetic storms can affect the operation of satellites, navigation systems, radio communications, and also have an impact on human health. People with cardiovascular diseases and increased weather sensitivity are especially sensitive to magnetic storms. During storms, symptoms such as increased blood pressure, tachycardia, headaches, migraines, insomnia, weakness, and deterioration of general condition are observed.

Changes in the Earth's magnetic field can slow down capillary blood flow, causing oxygen starvation of tissues, as well as increase blood viscosity, which increases the risk of thrombosis, strokes and heart attacks. In addition, magnetic storms can increase nervous tension, cause irritability, anxiety, and exacerbate chronic diseases.

Although the scientific community has not yet come to a consensus on the degree of influence of magnetic storms, statistics show an increase in the number of cardiovascular complications and a deterioration in the well-being of weather-dependent people during periods of geomagnetic disturbances. Therefore, people with chronic diseases are advised to take preventive measures in advance and monitor their condition on such days.

How to protect yourself from magnetic storms

It is impossible to fully protect yourself from magnetic storms, as this is a natural phenomenon. It is possible to reduce the impact of magnetic storms on the body through an integrated approach — rest, proper nutrition, health control and psychological attitude. Below are some simple rules that make it easier to survive the period of magnetic storms:

— get more rest and avoid overwork;

— Drink enough clean water to prevent dehydration.;

— give up alcohol and strong coffee;

— normalize sleep, go to bed earlier;

— minimize stress and conflicts as much as possible;

— spend more time outdoors, especially in parks.