Magnetic storms in Durham

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

Durham sits at geomagnetic latitude 45.3°. The nearest magnetic observatory continuously recording the field is Lovozero (Murmansk), 7236 km away. Population 257,636.

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

Aurora visibility threshold for Durham. At a geomagnetic latitude of 45.3°, the minimum Kp giving a realistic chance of visible auroras above Durham 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 Durham right now. Temperature +14°C, atmospheric pressure 747.8 mm Hg (997 hPa), cloud cover 0%, humidity 62%, wind 9.9 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 Durham page shows both indicators side by side. Weather data from Open-Meteo (CC BY).

Aurora viewing window for Durham tonight. Sunset is at 12:56 local time, sunrise tomorrow at 23:30. 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..