Magnetic storms in Washington

Magnetic storm in Washington today: planetary Kp = 0.0 (G0). Over the last 7 days the maximum Kp above Washington reached 5.7 (G1); storm days (G1+) this week: 3.

Washington sits at geomagnetic latitude 48.2°. The nearest magnetic observatory continuously recording the field is Lovozero (Murmansk), 6875 km away. Population 689,545.

Magnetic storms and health of Washington 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 Washington 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 Washington during the last 24 hours. Kp reached a maximum of 2.7 around 20:00 local time and dipped to 1.0. The planetary trend over the past 6 hours is steady — no sharp changes near Washington right now. So far this month the planet has logged 3 days with a G1 or stronger geomagnetic storm.

Aurora visibility threshold for Washington. At a geomagnetic latitude of 48.2°, the minimum Kp giving a realistic chance of visible auroras above Washington 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 Washington right now. Temperature +14.5°C, atmospheric pressure 756 mm Hg (1007.9 hPa), cloud cover 1%, humidity 78%, wind 5.6 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 Washington page shows both indicators side by side. Weather data from Open-Meteo (CC BY).

Aurora viewing window for Washington tonight. Sunset is at 12:53 local time, sunrise tomorrow at 23:18. Moon phase — first quarter with 48% disk illumination. Clear sky and low moonlight make the window favorable — with enough Kp, the aurora may be visible even from within city limits..