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Weather-sensitive Russians will have a difficult day: on Wednesday, May 28, the Earth will be covered by magnetic storms caused by increased solar activity. Against the background of the abnormal heat wave in the capital region, these natural phenomena can become a serious challenge to health. In general, 2025 may be one of the most difficult years for weather-dependent people. People are predicted to have a particularly bad condition in spring and summer, since it is in the year of the Snake that the Sun will reach its peak in the current cycle of its activity. An accurate forecast of magnetic storms is not made in advance, it appears a maximum of three weeks in advance, but based on events on the Sun, you can roughly understand what this year will be like. Read more about magnetic storms in 2025, their impact on humans and their psyche, and how to deal with them in the Izvestia article.

Geomagnetic storms in May 2025

In recent days, 11 solar flares have been recorded, two of which have reached class M, an average power level capable of provoking geomagnetic disturbances on Earth. According to experts from the Institute of Terrestrial Magnetism, Ionosphere and Radio Wave Propagation of the Russian Academy of Sciences (IZMIRAN), outbreaks occurred in the western hemisphere of the sun, which increases the likelihood of their influence on our planet.

Scientists from the IKI and SISYPHUS RAS report that a strong magnetic storm will hit the Earth on May 28. From 6 a.m., the level of disturbances in the Earth's magnetosphere will begin to rise: from three points to a peak of five points by 10:00 a.m., this is already a red danger level. The storm will give the main impact in the afternoon, and then begin to weaken. By 15:00, it is expected to decrease to three points — the green level. Then there is a gradual attenuation.

Geomagnetic storms in 2025: graph and force

Geomagnetic or, more commonly, magnetic storms are disturbances of the Earth's geomagnetic field. They are caused by solar flares, which are accompanied by plasma emissions. This gas, traveling vast distances, reaches our planet and causes magnetic storms of varying power.

Solar flares are divided into five classes depending on their power: A, B, C, M, X, where A has minimal values, and each subsequent one is ten times stronger than the previous one.

Various designations are used for magnetic storms on Earth. One of them is the K-index, which has values from 0 to 9. In everyday life, values with the letter G and a scale from one to five are more familiar, where 1 is the weakest storm and 5 is the strongest.

— A weak storm (G1). It can cause minor errors in the operation of artificial Earth satellites, people usually do not feel them. During the Sun's cycle, which lasts 11 years, such fluctuations occur approximately 1,700 times.

— Moderate storm (G2). Due to it, voltage drops, interference in radio communications and damage to transformers may occur. It affects spacecraft, as well as the frequency and power of auroras: they can be seen farther than usual from the poles. They happen about 660 times per cycle.

— Severe storm (G3). It happens about 200 times in 11 years and can lead to disruptions in satellite navigation.

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— Very strong or severe storm (G4). At this level, electrical currents can be generated in metal objects and wires, and protective devices are triggered by mistake. It happens about 100 times per cycle.

— Extremely strong storm (G5). Such geomagnetic disturbances are extremely rare and can occur no more than four times in 11 years. They cause serious disruptions in the operation of satellites and power grids, up to a complete shutdown. Auroras can be seen in subtropical zones.

The frequency and strength of solar flares, as scientists have found out, follows an average 11-year cycle. However, sometimes it can last for nine or 12 years. The time when the Sun is in its most active phase is called the solar maximum: then the largest number of spots and flares can be observed on the star. Then it gives way to a solar minimum.

The activity of the star is not static, which makes it difficult to accurately predict when the solar maximum will occur. Last year, for example, the peak of activity was expected at the beginning of the year, but some scientists and researchers warned even then that it could be as early as 2025.

According to the latest data, according to Sergey Bogachev, head of the Laboratory of Solar Astronomy at the IKI RAS, maximum solar activity may occur in the summer of 2025. The scientist stressed that it is impossible to accurately predict the dates of the period, however, in terms of the level of solar activity, the beginning of 2025 will resemble the end of 2024, by the beginning of summer, power will gradually increase, and then activity will decline. At the same time, the above—average activity level will remain until 2026, and according to other estimates, until 2028.

Magnetic storms in 2025: impact on equipment

During a magnetic storm on the Sun, a stream of particles is released, which subsequently affect the Earth's atmosphere. Then the upper layer heats up and expands, making it difficult for satellite signals to pass through. It is important to note that the failure of small machinery does not occur, it concerns only the equipment in space and the base stations of the operators. Because of this, there may be problems with mobile communications, satellite TV, and navigators.

In addition, the effect of a magnetic storm may result in the appearance of external electric charges on the surface of pipelines and transformers. It also negatively affects their work.

The most famous incident that caused the shutdown of telegraphic communications in Europe and North America occurred on September 1, 1859. Back then, the aurora borealis could be observed even in the tropics. In 1921, due to the strongest solar flare, about half of the entire equipment of the New York Central Railway was out of order. The next powerful magnetic storm knocked out all transatlantic radio communications for 12 hours. Powerful storms were repeated later: in 1967 (radio communications in the USA were disrupted, surveillance radars were disabled); in 1989 (a transformer at a nuclear power plant was disabled in the USA, a high-voltage power line was damaged in Canada, radio communications were disrupted in the USSR) and others.

Unfavorable days in 2025: the impact of magnetic storms on humans

The question of whether magnetic storms affect the human condition is of concern to many. In particular, many studies have been conducted, but they have not yielded clear results. To understand this topic, Izvestia interviewed experts from the field of medicine and psychology.

Alexey Vasilevsky, Candidate of Medical Sciences and chief physician of the Be Healthy Clinic in St. Petersburg, also drew attention to the scientific studies conducted on the effects of magnetic storms on humans and their mixed results. Nevertheless, in general, he considers this information important against the background of high solar activity.

— It is important to be attentive to your well—being during periods of magnetic storms, especially for those who suffer from various diseases, - said the expert.

Sergey Zinin, Candidate of Psychological Sciences at N.A. Dobrolyubov Nizhny Novgorod State Linguistic University, noted that against the background of geomagnetic fluctuations, cases of exacerbation of depression and anxiety among people who suffer from them have become more frequent.

— If a person at some point feels a certain "rollback" in his condition, this may well be a consequence of ongoing magnetic disturbances, - says the professor.

The effect of magnetic storms on humans can be different, but Sergey Zinin identifies the following:

— increased anxiety. This is due to changes in the geomagnetic field, which can affect neurochemical processes in the brain. It is important to try to survive this period as environmentally friendly as possible. To do this, the professor advises to ensure yourself a quality sleep and rest.;

— deterioration of mood, increased irritability, depression. Many studies have shown this. Those who are struggling with depression and are already seeing some results, but feel that progress has stopped, should think about this reason and not rush into self-flagellation. This condition can be explained by the geomagnetic situation on the planet.;

— drowsiness and fatigue. This may be due to a violation of normal circadian rhythms and changes in melatonin levels in the body. For those who feel weak and unwell, it is better to start taking a contrast shower and take a walk in the fresh air.;

— headaches and migraines. This is due to changes in brain activity and vascular response to changes in the magnetic field. Massage and timely referral to a specialist who will prescribe treatment for the time of deterioration will help here.;

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— increased stress. This may be due to a general feeling of discomfort and an inability to cope with normal daily activities. You should not engage in introspection and blame yourself for the inability to arrange life. It is better to listen to yourself and the body's signals, trying to give yourself what you need during this difficult period — quality rest, proper nutrition and positive emotions.

The expert draws attention to the fact that not all people are sensitive to the psychological effects of magnetic storms, so the reaction may vary.

— However, for some people, these changes can be very, very noticeable. Those who have significant symptoms at the psychological and physiological levels should discuss their condition with a doctor or psychologist in order to receive additional support, warns Sergey Zinin.

Olga Berezkina, a neurologist at the Moscow MRI Centers, does not confirm the effect of magnetic storms on humans.

— People still do not have a clear connection between the reaction to magnetic fields and their effects. Abrupt changes in the Earth's magnetic field generally do not have a significant impact on people's well-being. However, some patients with high individual sensitivity to magnetic fields may react to them in combination with other factors, the expert emphasizes.

The neurologist also notes that "magnetic fields do not act as a cause, but rather as a "trigger" that provokes the body's response to changes in conditions of accumulated psycho-emotional stress."

— In addition, many people have a false impression about the impact of magnetic storms on their health. This may be due to suggestibility and public opinion, as well as our tendency to connect events with each other. For example, if a person was unwell before or after a magnetic storm, they can remember exactly this combination. However, "after" does not always mean "as a result", it is easier for our brain to have a predictable view of the world around us, the expert explains.

Alexey Vasilevsky gave recommendations that should be followed if a person feels the influence of magnetic storms or is sensitive to weather changes. According to the expert, such people should pay attention to their condition and, if necessary, consult a doctor. However, that's not all.

— It is necessary to reduce stress levels. The expert advises practicing yoga at this time, meditating and relaxing. All this, he says, will help reduce stress levels and improve overall well-being.

— Do not disturb your sleep schedule. The head physician recommends that you follow a regular and sufficient sleep regime, which will help the body better cope with the changes associated with magnetic storms.

— We need to keep active. Moderate physical activity, such as outdoor walks or light exercise, can improve mood and overall well-being.

— Avoid excessive alcohol and caffeine consumption. These substances can enhance negative feelings and worsen well-being.

— It is important to monitor the forecast. Weather-sensitive people should monitor the schedule of magnetic storms in order to prepare for them in advance and take measures to protect themselves from negative effects.

— It is necessary to limit the time in front of the screen. During periods of strong magnetic storms, it is better to limit time at the computer or with the phone in order to reduce the strain on the eyes and nervous system.

Переведено сервисом «Яндекс Переводчик»

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