Magnetic storms in Sokal

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

Sokal sits at geomagnetic latitude 48.5°. The nearest magnetic observatory continuously recording the field is Lviv, 74 km away. Population 20,373.

Magnetic storms and health of Sokal 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 Sokal 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 Sokal during the last 24 hours. Kp reached a maximum of 2.7 around 03:00 local time and dipped to 1.0. The planetary trend over the past 6 hours is steady — no sharp changes near Sokal right now. So far this month the planet has logged 3 days with a G1 or stronger geomagnetic storm.

Aurora visibility threshold for Sokal. At a geomagnetic latitude of 48.5°, the minimum Kp giving a realistic chance of visible auroras above Sokal is about Kp ≥ 7. 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 Sokal right now. Temperature +10.5°C, atmospheric pressure 741.8 mm Hg (989 hPa), cloud cover 85%, humidity 48%, wind 19.1 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 Sokal page shows both indicators side by side. Weather data from Open-Meteo (CC BY).

Aurora viewing window for Sokal tonight. Sunset is at 20:31 local time, sunrise tomorrow at 06:10. 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..