In the evening of May 18, the Earth will be under the influence of a weak G1-class magnetic storm caused by solar wind and a coronal mass ejection. Specialists warn that geomagnetic fluctuations may affect the well-being of meteorologically sensitive individuals and cause minor disruptions in communication and navigation.
What Magnetic Storm is Expected on May 18?
According to NOAA, the cause of the unstable space weather is two factors. The Earth is passing through a stream of high-speed solar wind emanating from a coronal hole on the Sun.
Additionally, on May 18, the planet's magnetic field may be affected by a coronal mass ejection (CME) triggered by a solar flare on May 16. Scientists note that it is the combination of these phenomena that will cause fluctuations in the magnetosphere throughout the day.
The greatest increase in geomagnetic activity is expected closer to the evening.
What Will the Level of Geomagnetic Activity Be Throughout the Day?
During the night and morning hours — from 00:00 to 09:00 — moderate fluctuations in the magnetic field are forecasted with a Kp index of 3.3–3.7. During this period, some individuals may report restless sleep or fatigue.
From 09:00 to 15:00, the situation will temporarily stabilize: the activity level will decrease to Kp = 3.0.
After 15:00, the geomagnetic field will begin to activate again. Between 15:00 and 18:00, the index will rise to Kp = 4.0.
The peak of the storm is expected between 18:00 and 21:00. It is at this time that the activity level will reach Kp = 5.0, which corresponds to a weak G1-class magnetic storm.
After 21:00, the storm will gradually subside, and the geomagnetic background will return to a stable state.
Will the Storm Affect the Operation of Technology and Communication?
NOAA specialists note that a G1-level storm is considered the weakest on the international scale. However, consequences are possible.
In high latitudes, bright auroras may be observed on the night of May 19. Due to the new moon, the sky will be dark, creating good conditions for observation.
There may also be minor fluctuations in GPS operation, high-frequency radio communication, and power grids in the northern regions of the planet. For most mobile and internet users in Ukraine, these changes will go unnoticed.
How to Survive a Magnetic Storm for Meteorologically Sensitive Individuals?
Doctors advise individuals with cardiovascular diseases and increased meteorological sensitivity to monitor their well-being more closely.
Among the most common symptoms during a Kp = 5 storm are headaches, irritability, fatigue, and fluctuations in blood pressure.
To reduce the impact of geomagnetic fluctuations, specialists recommend avoiding overexertion, consuming less coffee, alcohol, and fatty foods, maintaining hydration, and resting more.
According to geophysicists' forecasts, solar activity will begin to decline on May 19, and the state of the magnetosphere will normalize.
