Strong magnetic storm hits Earth, impacting Murmansk region

A powerful solar flare has triggered a severe geomagnetic storm, which may cause headaches and weakness for weather-sensitive individuals in Murmansk Oblast until it subsides.

Jan 21, 2026

Weather-sensitive residents in northern regions may experience poor health during the geomagnetic event.
Source:
Darya Selenskaya / Gorodskiye media

A high-power solar flare was recorded, and a magnetic storm struck Earth on 20 January. Today, weather-sensitive residents of Murmansk Oblast may experience weakness and headaches.

A scientific forecast chart displays geomagnetic activity levels for the region.
Source:
xras.ru

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

Red color on the map indicates storm probability, with the highest intensity on 20 January.
Source:
xras.ru

«An S3 (strong) solar radiation storm is occurring, and a G4 (severe) or greater geomagnetic storm is predicted,» states the NOAA message.

The Russian Laboratory of Solar Astronomy of IKI and ISZF also published data on geomagnetic changes. According to their information, the storm peaked on the morning of 20 January, around 6:00, and then began to subside. Toward the evening, around 16:00–18:00, it will intensify again, ending overnight.

View the magnetic storm calendar for January 2026 here.