[Regnum] The first noticeable magnetic storm of 2026 could begin as early as the night of January 3. The Solar Astronomy Laboratory of the Space Research Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences reported this on its Telegram channel.
According to the report, a strong M7.1 solar flare occurred on December 31st, accompanied by a mass ejection, partially directed toward Earth. Scientists predict this ejection will trigger the first significant magnetic storm of the year on the night of January 2nd–3rd. Its intensity is predicted to be up to G2 (a moderate event), with a roughly 30% chance of a strong storm of G3 or higher.
The Space Research Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences also clarified that, overall, the geomagnetic forecast for the New Year holidays is currently quite favorable.