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Magnetic storms on 1–2 April 2026: when to expect the Kp index to peak

Magnetic storms on 1–2 April 2026: when to expect the Kp index to peak

Katerina Melnychenko Deputy Editor-in-Chief

02 April 2026, 08:10

Magnetic storms on 1–2 April 2026: when to expect the Kp index to peak — Kp index forecast

The forecast for geomagnetic activity for 1–2 April 2026 remains moderate, but an increase to G1 level is possible on the evening of 2 April. The highest Kp index values are currently expected in the afternoon.

Source: NOAA Space Weather Prediction Centre (SWPC).

According to the latest 3-day NOAA forecast, released on 1 April at 12:30 UTC, the highest expected 3-hour Kp index for the period 1–3 April is 5.0. On the NOAA scale, a Kp value of 5 or higher corresponds to a G1-level geomagnetic storm.

No significant storm is forecast for 1 April. In Kyiv time, the highest values are expected approximately from 15:00 to 21:00: between 15:00 and 18:00, the Kp may reach 4.0, and from 18:00 to 21:00 – 3.67. For the remainder of the day, the geomagnetic situation is expected to remain mostly calm or unstable.

Peak hours on 2 April

The first half of 2 April is forecast to be calmer. However, activity will increase in the afternoon: from 15:00 to 18:00 Kyiv time, the Kp is expected to be 3.67; from 18:00 to 21:00 – up to 5.0; and from 21:00 to 00:00 – around 4.33. Another period with a Kp of 5.0 is forecast for the night of 3 April, from 00:00 to 03:00. The evening of 2 April currently looks set to be the most intense period.

The NOAA has also reported that a G1-level warning is in effect for 1 and 2 April. The cause is cited as the influence of a fast solar wind stream from a coronal hole, whilst on 31 March the situation was further exacerbated by the effects of a coronal mass ejection following an X1.4 solar flare.

The report emphasises that even during weaker fluctuations, weather-sensitive people may experience fatigue, headaches, irritability or fluctuations in blood pressure. On such days, it is advised to avoid physical and emotional strain, drink more water, limit caffeine intake, get plenty of sleep, spend more time outdoors and monitor your well-being.

Geomagnetic activity forecasts remain short-term and may change several times a day. NOAA publishes a 3-hour breakdown of the Kp index, so for the most up-to-date information, it is best to refer to the latest updates.

As a reminder, on the night of 1 April, the final participants in the 2026 FIFA World Cup finals were decided.

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