On March 13, 2026, the onset of a prolonged geomagnetic disturbance was detected on Earth, originating from a large coronal hole on the Sun. This was reported by the Solar Astronomy Laboratory of the Space Research Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences.

The coronal hole, designated No. 31, is clearly visible on the Sun's surface as a dark region where magnetic field lines open into space, allowing the faster solar wind to escape. This large transequatorial coronal hole extends across both solar hemispheres and directs its fast solar wind toward Earth.

According to Russian scientists, solar wind speeds are expected to increase in the next 24 hours, followed by increased geomagnetic readings. The unstable geomagnetic conditions are forecast to persist until mid-April.

International space weather services confirm the alarming situation. Class G1 (weak) geomagnetic storms are expected on March 13–14, influenced by a coronal hole. By March 15, geomagnetic activity is forecast to weaken to active levels as the influence of the coronal hole's high-speed flow diminishes.

Unlike solar flares or coronal mass ejections, coronal holes generate sustained streams of high-speed solar wind. When these streams interact with the Earth's magnetic field, geomagnetic activity can intensify over the course of several days.

Class G1 geomagnetic disturbances may have minor impacts on power grids and cause disruptions to satellite systems, but do not pose a serious threat. Under favorable circumstances, increased auroral activity at high latitudes is possible.