Strong magnetic storm hits Earth, affecting Arkhangelsk residents' health

A powerful magnetic storm struck Earth on January 20, following a solar flare, and weather-sensitive people in Arkhangelsk Oblast may experience symptoms like weakness and headaches. Meteorologists predict the storm will end around 15:00 Moscow time.

Jan 21, 2026

A severe geomagnetic storm is affecting Earth, with potential health effects for sensitive individuals.
Source:
Darya Selenskaya / City Media

On January 20, a magnetic storm hit Earth after a high-power flare was recorded on the Sun. Today, weather-sensitive residents of Arkhangelsk Oblast may experience weakness and headaches.

Data from NOAA and Russian solar astronomy labs detail the geomagnetic storm«s progression.
Source:
xras.ru

The U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) reports that the storm should end around 15:00 Moscow time.

«An S3 (strong) solar radiation storm is observed, and a G4 (strong) or higher geomagnetic storm is forecast,» NOAA«s message states.

The Russian Laboratory of Solar Astronomy IKI and ISZF has also published data on geomagnetic changes. According to their information, the storm peaked in the morning of January 20, around 6:00, and then began to subside. Closer to evening, around 16:00–18:00, it will become stronger again, and will end at night.

Earlier we published a calendar of magnetic storms for January — see on which other days you may feel worse.

On how weather-sensitive people can get through this day — read in our special feature.