Known timings for the May magnetic storm
In May, brace yourself for at least six potential magnetic storms, which could impact people's well-being. This news comes from the Laboratory of X-ray Solar Astronomy of the Russian Academy of Sciences' Physical Institute.
The initial tempest is projected for May 2, with an intensity that could reach moderate levels (Kp-index up to 6), followed by a brief respite.
From May 5 to 7, the geomagnetic situation is expected to deteriorate significantly again, with strong magnetic storms and a Kp-index of 5 or higher possible during these days. There are also predictions for additional solar activity spikes on May 8 and 10, which is especially relevant for those susceptible to weather changes.
From May 11 to 17, specialists anticipate a relatively stable state of the magnetosphere, although minor fluctuations are not ruled out. However, from May 18 to the end of the month, new periods of magnetic instability related to new solar flares are possible.
These events can cause a variety of symptoms in weather-sensitive individuals, such as headaches, dizziness, weakness, nausea, joint pain, and sleep problems.
The last serious magnetic storm was witnessed on April 20. In an exclusive interview with our website, Olga Durova, deputy chief physician for therapy at the regional clinical hospital, shared some strategies for staying safe during magnetic storms for individuals with health issues.
For people with health issues during magnetic storms, preparation primarily revolves around minimizing electromagnetic sensitivity risks and ensuring medical continuity. Here's a breakdown:
Health-Specific Preparations
1. Securing essential medications and devices– Double up on prescriptions where possible and store extras for potential pharmacy disruptions.– Protect medical electronics (e.g., CPAP machines, pacemaker monitors) by keeping backups in Faraday cages (metal trash cans lined with thick plastic bags work).– Keep analog backups for critical devices (e.g., manual blood pressure monitors).
2. Managing electromagnetic sensitivity– Limit screen time to minimize exposure to electromagnetic fields.– Stay hydrated and prioritize rest, as stress can exacerbate symptoms like headaches or dizziness.
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Practical Safety Measures
1. Preparing for power outages– Store water immediately post-event to guarantee supply if pumps fail.– Use surge protectors for essential electronics or unplug them entirely during peak storm activity.– Insulate electronics by storing spares (e.g., flashlights, radios) in Faraday-shielded containers.
2. Maintaining communication– Keep a hand-crank or solar-powered radio for emergency alerts if cellular networks fail.– Establish a family emergency plan with meetup points if separated during chaos.
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Visibility & Weather Precautions
While the intensity of the upcoming storm remains uncertain, consider the following precautions:– Avoid midnight aurora chasing unless necessary, as cold exposure and stress may worsen conditions.– Check local cloud cover forecasts to plan essential outings around clear periods.
- The initial magnetic storm is predicted for May 2, with an intensity that could reach moderate levels (Kp-index up to 6), causing symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, weakness, nausea, joint pain, and sleep problems, especially relevant for those sensitive to weather changes.
- From May 5 to 7, the geomagnetic situation is expected to deteriorate significantly, with strong magnetic storms and a Kp-index of 5 or higher possible during these days, which could impact people's health-and-wellness.
- For people with health issues during magnetic storms, preparation primarily revolves around minimizing electromagnetic sensitivity risks and ensuring medical continuity; this includes securing essential medications and devices, managing electromagnetic sensitivity, preparing for power outages, and maintaining communication.
- In an exclusive interview with our website, Olga Durova, deputy chief physician for therapy at the regional clinical hospital, shared some strategies for staying safe during magnetic storms, emphasizing the importance of limiting screen time, staying hydrated, and prioritizing rest for individuals with mental-health issues.
- To protect medical electronics, backups should be kept in Faraday cages during storms, while analog backups should be available for critical devices like CPAP machines, pacemaker monitors, and blood pressure monitors.
- During periods of magnetic instability related to new solar flares, in addition to weather-related precautions, staying indoors, away from windows, and avoiding sunlight during peak activity is recommended to minimize exposure and ensure overall fitness-and-exercise and mental-health.
