The geomagnetic storm that began on Earth on June 1, 2025, will last at least until June 3, according to a representative of the Institute of Applied Geophysics, as reported by TASS. Its intensity will fluctuate, with periods of strong disturbances. The storm was caused by the largest coronal mass ejection (CME) of 2025, which reached Earth earlier than expected.

Intensity and Forecast

According to the Institute of Applied Geophysics:

  • June 1–2: Primarily G1–G2 level geomagnetic storms (minor to moderate), with peaks reaching G3–G4 (strong to severe) due to the ongoing impact of the CME. A G4-level peak was recorded on June 1 from 9:00 to 12:00 Moscow time.
  • June 3: Expected to decrease to G1 (minor storm), with activity likely subsiding by the evening. The Kp index is expected to drop to 3–4 points.

Sergey Bogachev, head of the Solar Astronomy Laboratory at the Space Research Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences (IKI RAS), stated that the storm began after a large plasma cloud was ejected by the Sun on May 31 during an M8.2-class solar flare. This was the most powerful event of the year so far, although less intense than the G5-level storms of May 2024.

Causes and Uniqueness

Nathan Eismont, a research scientist at IKI RAS, noted that the May 31 plasma ejection was one of the strongest in 2025. Its uniqueness lies in its structure: Earth was hit by "empty magnetic tubes" — regions with low plasma density but high magnetic fields, which caused abnormally strong disturbances despite a smaller number of particles. Solar wind speeds reached 1,000 km/s, and plasma temperatures climbed to 1 million degrees Celsius.

The storm is associated with Active Region No. 4100 on the Sun, which is positioned directly along the Sun–Earth line, leaving no chance for the plasma to bypass Earth. Coronal holes and solar flares increased the geo-effectiveness, resulting in a 100% probability of storms on June 1–2.

Consequences and Impact

On Technology
G3–G4 level storms can cause:

  • Satellite malfunctions: On May 29, some SpaceX Starlink satellites experienced issues; several even fell out of orbit.
  • Navigation problems: Potential interference with GPS and radio communications (HF, VHF, UHF).
  • Power grid disruptions: Overvoltages and false triggering of protection systems.

On Health
Weather-sensitive individuals may experience:

  • Headaches, blood pressure fluctuations, fatigue, and stress.
  • Exacerbation of chronic conditions, especially cardiovascular diseases. About 70% of hypertensive crises and heart attacks occur during geomagnetic storms.

People with heart disease, hypertension, the elderly, children, and pregnant women are particularly vulnerable. Symptoms may appear 2–3 days before, during, or after the storm.

Recommendations for Weather-Sensitive People (June 1–3)

  • Monitor your health: Check your blood pressure, keep necessary medications nearby, and consult your doctor if you have chronic conditions.
  • Stick to a routine: Get adequate sleep, avoid overexertion, stay hydrated, and avoid caffeine and alcohol.
  • Eat well: Include magnesium-rich foods (nuts, spinach, avocado), avoid spicy, salty, and fatty foods.
  • Reduce stress: Practice breathing exercises, meditation, and take walks in fresh air.
  • Limit screen time: Electromagnetic waves may intensify discomfort.
  • Drive carefully: Magnetic storms can reduce concentration and increase the risk of accidents.

Short-Term Forecast

  • June 2: A strong storm (Kp=7, G3–G4) is expected in the first half of the day, gradually weakening toward evening. Auroras may be visible in high latitudes.
  • June 3: A minor storm (Kp=3–4, G1) is expected until 2:00 p.m. Moscow time, followed by stabilization of the magnetosphere.
  • Beyond: The next significant geomagnetic storm is forecast for June 14 (Kp=5), with another on June 24–25 (Kp=5).

Scientific Debate

Modern science remains divided on the effects of geomagnetic storms on human health. Neurologist Irina Galeeva from the Rassvet Clinic claims there is no direct physiological impact, suggesting that symptoms are psychosomatic or influenced by media coverage. However, some studies show correlations between storms and spikes in cardiovascular incidents, indicating a need for further research.