What is the Kp index?

Kp is a measure of geomagnetic activity from 0 to 9; values of 5 or more indicate a magnetic storm.

When are magnetic storms expected?

Kp values by day are shown on the page; a magnetic storm means Kp of 5 or more.

Home / Magnetic storms

Magnetic storms today 🧲

Kp 0.0

Quiet

Kp scale: 0–3 quiet, 4 unsettled, 5–9 a magnetic storm.

Kp index by day

Thu, 27 Aug

Kp 1

quiet

Fri, 28 Aug

Kp 1.3

quiet

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For weather-sensitive people: during magnetic storms headaches, blood-pressure swings, fatigue and sleep disturbance are possible. Get enough sleep, drink more water, avoid overexertion and caffeine, and keep prescribed medication on hand if you have chronic conditions.

Magnetic storms and the Kp index

The planetary Kp index shows the level of geomagnetic activity on a 0–9 scale. Values of 5 and above mean a magnetic storm, which can affect weather-sensitive people, satellites and radio communications. Sources: GFZ Potsdam (Germany), the official producer of the Kp index, and NOAA SWPC (USA). The index is global and updated several times a day.