Powerful magnetic storms expected in October: How will they affect your well-being and what should you do?

Until the end of October 2023, several magnetic storms of varying strength are expected, which can cause a number of problems - both in the operation of navigation systems, and with the well-being of people and the behavior of animals and birds.

According to the Space Weather Prediction Center of the US National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Agency (NOAA), from October 1 to October 15, the activity of the Earth's magnetic field was at the level of two points, but it is expected that on October 20 we will be hit by a strong magnetic storm, the activity of which will last until late at night. Another significant solar activity is expected from October 25 to 27. The most powerful magnetic storm is expected on October 30 or 31: on these days solar activity can reach 6 points out of 9 possible.

It is worth noting, however, that these forecasts may change before the end of the month, since it is difficult to predict the behavior of the Sun for a long period.

What problems can arise due to magnetic storms?

Strong magnetic storms can cause disruptions in shortwave communications, as well as disruptions to navigation systems and industrial networks. Also, such storms can affect the migration routes of birds and animals.

Such storms can also affect the well-being of people, especially those who are weather sensitive. It should be noted that people’s sensitivity to such phenomena varies, and for some, their health worsens and unpleasant symptoms appear, while others are not affected by magnetic storms and other phenomena at all.

The most common problems include:

• headache;
• sudden jumps in blood pressure;
• dizziness;
• cardiopalmus;
• labored breathing;
• sleep disorders, insomnia;
• absent-mindedness, irritability;
• increased anxiety;
• fatigue;
• pain in the joints, aching bones;
• exacerbation of some chronic diseases.

How to behave if you are weather sensitive?

Experts advise avoiding intense workouts in the gym during powerful magnetic storms, not overloading yourself with work, and limiting the use of technical devices such as mobile phones and computers. It is also recommended to give up bad habits that aggravate the negative effects of magnetic storms on the human body.