Magnetic storms in Chicago

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

Chicago sits at geomagnetic latitude 50.8°. The nearest magnetic observatory continuously recording the field is Lovozero (Murmansk), 6909 km away. Population 2,664,452.

Magnetic storms and health of Chicago 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 Chicago 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 Chicago during the last 24 hours. Kp reached a maximum of 2.7 around 19:00 local time and dipped to 1.0. The planetary trend over the past 6 hours is steady — no sharp changes near Chicago right now. So far this month the planet has logged 3 days with a G1 or stronger geomagnetic storm.

Aurora visibility threshold for Chicago. At a geomagnetic latitude of 50.8°, the minimum Kp giving a realistic chance of visible auroras above Chicago is about Kp ≥ 6. 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 Chicago right now. Temperature +18.2°C, atmospheric pressure 737.4 mm Hg (983.1 hPa), cloud cover 0%, humidity 70%, wind 14.8 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 Chicago page shows both indicators side by side. Weather data from Open-Meteo (CC BY).

Aurora viewing window for Chicago tonight. Sunset is at 11:41 local time, sunrise tomorrow at 21:56. 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..