When the concentration of positively charged ions (the "bad" ones) begins to rise, usually due to the increment of the solar wind's ionic density and speed, the Earth's magnetospheric structure begins to show signs of instability. At the same time, we begin to feel a higher degree of psychosomatic unease. We become more irritable, restless and unsettled; bad humor begins to set in. Physical discomfort could appear, specially if you have a chronic illness. Arthritis, rheumatism, dandruff, constipation, acne and former wounds begin to annoy us. Muscular cramps and neuritis could appear.

When the yellow indicator is shown above, try to stay away from traffic (cars), closed-in areas with machines that produce friction and heat (most of them do). If possible, visit a plaza or a park that has a water fountain. Around these fountains there is always a big negative ion (the "good" ones) bubble. No need to get wet. Just stand or sit (better) close to the fountain, within the mentioned bubble. If you have a home or office air (not water) ionizer, by all means turn it on and stay in its vicinity for 15 or 20 minutes (or more). You'll see how different (more comfortable) you'll feel after that time. If you know how, practice some Yoga or Tai Ch'i exercises, especially those designed to "shed" energy. In spite of the malaise, cheer up, normally this solar condition only lasts for a day or two :-)

From this ionic concentration up, most household (pets), farm and wild animals start to get unneasy and ill-natured. Please take due precautions when handling them, and keep them away from small children for a day or so. Animals that guide themselves by Earth's magnetic lines start to become disoriented. It is under these Space Weather conditions that dolphins, orcas and whales insist on swimming toward the shore line and thus get stranded on the beaches. Migratory animals, such as fish and birds, lose their way and end up in all kinds of dangerous places.

When the magnetosphere is saturated with positive ions, there will also be a higher local concentration of the same in our local atmosphere, specially at Earth's equatorial latitudes. Please pay special attention to this condition if you live within the area than spans 10 degrees above or below the equator.

In case of a magnetospheric storm, the psychosomatic discomfort is much greater, as it could trigger severe physical pain, as well as irritation and itching of the mucous membranes (e.g., eyelids, mouth, throat, ears, genitals, etc.), gastric problems (e.g., heartburn, flatulence, abdominal colics, etc.), menstrual pain, hormonal problems, incontinence, dizziness, etc. Sudden migraines or neuralgies are not uncommon. Nervous "tics" and allergies flare up. Physical malaise, such as arthritis, rheumatism, dandruff, constipation, acne and former wounds begin to annoy us. Painful muscular cramps and neuritis could appear.

Cases of undue anguish, depression, irritability and the likes are not unheard of. There can be mental confusion, bewilderment, loss of concentration, indecision, paranoia, loss of memory, etc. All this according to the individual's habitual tendencies, but more intense than usual. Consider it to be a true and severe electromagnetic intoxication.

When there's a magnetospheric storm going on, it's a good idea to use clothes made of natural fibers, such as cotton, linen or wool; try not to wear nylon, lycra or rayon, nor any other synthetic-fiber apparel. This will only make matters worse. Ladies should try not to wear nylon stockings or underwear. Stay away from places that produce large quantities of positive ions: traffic jams, closed-in machine shops, compressors, computer screens, irons, home and industrial ovens, etc.

Depending on the intensity of the storm, electrical transformers could blow up (as in Quebec, Canada, 1989). There'll be a lot of static electricity in water pipes, telephone lines (metal ones) and in the air. Mobile phones, GPS equipment, car and airplane electronics, home and office computers, and other high-tech equipment could malfunction, or even suffer physical damage.