The Earth is expected to experience the most powerful magnetic storm in recent months — it will begin as early as Thursday and last about six days, until March 24 inclusive. This was reported by the Laboratory of Solar Astronomy of the Space Research Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences (IKI RAS) on its Telegram channel. The forecast has been revised several times over the past day in a more severe direction.

What is causing the storm and when is the peak

The main causes are two powerful factors at once:

solar plasma ejected after a major flare on March 17;
the influence of several coronal holes on the visible side of the Sun.

On March 17, a strong flare occurred on the Sun, during which a medium-sized prominence was destroyed and ejected into space. This significantly increased the mass of the plasma cloud directed toward Earth.

The total duration of disturbances will be about six days — from March 19 to March 24. The peak of activity is expected from March 19 to March 21: during these days, the storm may reach level G3–G4 (strong to very strong). It is during this time that at latitudes of 50–55° (including mid-latitudes of Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, northern Europe, and parts of the United States) there is a chance to see auroras even in not very dark skies.

From March 22, the storm will begin to weaken, but the “tail” from coronal holes will be felt for several more days — until March 24.

How this will affect people and technology

For most healthy people, a storm of this level will pass almost unnoticed. However, weather-sensitive individuals, people with cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, migraines, or chronic fatigue may experience:

headaches and fluctuations in blood pressure;
weakness, irritability;
sleep disturbances;
exacerbation of chronic diseases.

During these days, it is recommended to:

drink more water;
avoid alcohol, caffeine, and heavy food;
not overload yourself physically or emotionally;
have medications for blood pressure and headaches on hand if necessary.

Technology may also be affected: disruptions in satellite navigation (GPS/GLONASS), shortwave radio communication, and disturbances in power grids (especially in northern regions) are possible.

In brief

The strongest magnetic storm in recent months will begin on March 19 and last about six days — until March 24. The peak is expected on March 19–21 (level G3–G4), with possible auroras at latitudes of 50–55°. The cause is plasma from the March 17 flare plus coronal holes. The forecast has been revised several times in a more severe direction. Weather-sensitive individuals should be more cautious, and technology may experience disruptions. Follow updates from IKI RAS.