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March 30, 2026 · Updated live

X1.5 Solar Flare & Incoming CME — G3-G4 Storm Expected March 31

At 03:19 UTC on March 30, 2026, Active Region 4405 unleashed an X1.5 solar flare — the most powerful class of solar flares. This is a significant event, and a massive coronal mass ejection (CME) is now racing toward Earth.

What happened

Region 4405 had been rotating into view from the Sun's eastern limb for several days. At position S27E44, it was already partially aimed at Earth when it erupted. The flare peaked at X1.5, triggering an immediate R3 (Strong) radio blackout across the sunlit side of Earth — primarily affecting Southeast Asia and Australia.

Coronagraph data from SOHO and STEREO-A satellites confirmed a full-halo coronal mass ejection — a massive cloud of plasma heading straight for Earth.

The incoming CME

This CME is moving exceptionally fast:

• Speed: approximately 1,870 km/s — nearly 5 times faster than normal solar wind (400 km/s)
• Expected arrival: March 31, around 10:40 UTC (±7 hours)
• Forecast impact: G3 (Strong) to G4 (Very Strong) geomagnetic storm

For context, the last G4+ storm was in May 2024, when multiple CMEs created a historic G5 event with aurora visible as far south as Mexico.

What does the Kp scale mean?

A G3 storm corresponds to Kp 7, and G4 to Kp 8-9. These are serious events that most weather-sensitive people will feel.

Health effects to expect

Research links geomagnetic storms to a range of symptoms. During a G3-G4 event, sensitive individuals may experience:

• Headaches — the most commonly reported symptom
• Fatigue and brain fog — difficulty concentrating, feeling "off"
• Sleep disturbances — trouble falling or staying asleep
• Mood changes — irritability, anxiety, unexplained tension
• Blood pressure fluctuations

An estimated 10-15% of the population is particularly sensitive to geomagnetic changes. If you typically feel weather changes, you'll likely feel this one.

How to prepare — starting tonight

The CME is expected to arrive March 31. That means tonight (March 30) is your preparation window.

✅ DO:

• Take magnesium (400mg glycinate) before bed tonight
• Take glycine (3g) before bed — supports sleep during storms
• Hydrate well — 2-3 liters today and tomorrow
• Go to bed earlier than usual tonight
• Eat light meals tomorrow

🚫 AVOID (March 31 - April 1):

• No coffee after noon (or skip entirely)
• No alcohol
• Skip intense workouts
• Postpone stressful meetings and major decisions
• Reduce screen time, especially in the evening
• Avoid emotionally charged conversations

Aurora possibility

If the storm reaches G4, aurora could be visible at unusually low latitudes — potentially as far south as central Europe. However, visibility depends on the Bz component of the CME's magnetic field: if it points south (negative Bz) when it hits Earth's magnetosphere, aurora displays will be dramatically enhanced.

The critical factor — Bz direction — can only be measured when the CME reaches the DSCOVR satellite at the L1 point, roughly 15-45 minutes before it hits Earth. Watch our dashboard's solar wind data for real-time updates.

What happens next

We're monitoring the situation in real time on our dashboard. The Telegram alert bot will notify subscribers when the CME arrives and the storm begins. Symptoms typically peak during the first 12-24 hours and gradually subside over the following day.

This is a significant space weather event — but it's manageable with preparation. The key is to act tonight, before the storm arrives.

Track it live: solarstorm.today dashboard · Get alerts: Telegram