Magnetic storms in Zaqatala

Magnetic storm in Zaqatala today: planetary Kp = 1.0 (G0). Over the last 7 days the maximum Kp above Zaqatala reached 5.7 (G1); storm days (G1+) this week: 3.

Zaqatala sits at geomagnetic latitude 36.6°. The nearest magnetic observatory continuously recording the field is Tbilisi (Dusheti), 169 km away. Population 32,171.

Magnetic storms and health of Zaqatala residents: at Kp ≥ 5 weather-sensitive people may experience pressure swings, headaches, sleep issues. Especially pensioners and people with hypertension should watch the forecast. During a storm — hydrate more, avoid alcohol and strong coffee, avoid intense physical load.

Technical consequences for Zaqatala at G3+: GPS, HF radio and precise positioning systems may glitch. Drivers on long routes should watch the forecast for the next 24–72 hours. Data source: NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center, refreshed every 10 minutes.

Over Zaqatala during the last 24 hours. Kp reached a maximum of 2.7 around 04:00 local time and dipped to 1.0. The planetary trend over the past 6 hours is steady — no sharp changes near Zaqatala right now. So far this month the planet has logged 3 days with a G1 or stronger geomagnetic storm.

Aurora visibility threshold for Zaqatala. At a geomagnetic latitude of 36.6°, the minimum Kp giving a realistic chance of visible auroras above Zaqatala is about Kp ≥ 9. The current equatorial Dst index is 0 nT — the magnetosphere is in a quiet phase. Dst complements Kp by showing how long and how deep a storm's main phase has been — useful context when checking whether auroras are likely tonight.

Weather and atmospheric pressure in Zaqatala right now. Temperature +14.9°C, atmospheric pressure 713.3 mm Hg (951 hPa), cloud cover 88%, humidity 80%, wind 9 km/h. During G1+ geomagnetic storms, swings in atmospheric pressure tend to amplify symptoms for weather-sensitive people: those with hypertension often notice blood-pressure spikes, and readings below 1000 hPa combined with Kp ≥ 5 frequently bring headaches and fatigue. That is why the Zaqatala page shows both indicators side by side. Weather data from Open-Meteo (CC BY).

Aurora viewing window for Zaqatala tonight. Sunset is at 20:43 local time, sunrise tomorrow at 06:59. Moon phase — first quarter with 49% disk illumination. Heavy cloud cover lowers the chance of seeing auroras even during a strong storm — it may be worth waiting for the next clear night..