Magnetic storms in Columbus

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

Columbus sits at geomagnetic latitude 41.6°. The nearest magnetic observatory continuously recording the field is Lovozero (Murmansk), 7804 km away. Population 206,922.

Magnetic storms and health of Columbus 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 Columbus 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 Columbus 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 Columbus right now. So far this month the planet has logged 3 days with a G1 or stronger geomagnetic storm.

Aurora visibility threshold for Columbus. At a geomagnetic latitude of 41.6°, the minimum Kp giving a realistic chance of visible auroras above Columbus is about Kp ≥ 8. 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 Columbus right now. Temperature +13.4°C, atmospheric pressure 754.3 mm Hg (1005.6 hPa), cloud cover 3%, humidity 83%, wind 5.1 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 Columbus page shows both indicators side by side. Weather data from Open-Meteo (CC BY).

Aurora viewing window for Columbus tonight. Sunset is at 13:16 local time, sunrise tomorrow at 00:00. Moon phase — first quarter with 49% disk illumination. Clear sky and low moonlight make the window favorable — with enough Kp, the aurora may be visible even from within city limits..