Home / Editor's Pick /

Solar storms impact weather on Earth

07:00
23 February 2022

Astronomical influences
Solar storms impact weather on Earth

We all know that the Sun has a large impact on our weather, but with recent solar storms that impact has been heightened.

Research released by teams at the Technical University of Denmark and The Hebrew University of Jerusalem has unveiled a link between solar flares and the development, or lack thereof, of clouds.

During a two week experiment, the researchers realised that as solar flares hit the planet’s atmosphere a notable reduction in the cosmic ray flux was recorded.

Solar winds

At this time, the production of aerosols was hampered, in turn leading to a drop in particles for water droplets to use as seeds.

All of which eventually resulted in a drop in cloud cover, allowing more sunlight to hit the planet’s surface increasing temperatures and impacting our global climate.

The effect is most notable in low altitude liquid clouds which develop over oceans. Luckily, the effect of these solar storms is too short-lived and intermittent to have a significant impact on the Earth’s climate.

Ryan Hathaway
More on the topic
Warning map for strong winds during Storm Floris. Red, level three, warnings across northern Scotland, orange, level two, warnings elsewhere in Scotland and north-west Ireland. Yellow, level one, across Ireland and much of England. Only East Anglia with no warnings. On the right, a wind map showing gusts of up to 55 mph.
Sunday 3 August 2025

Gusts up to 85 mph

Widespread warnings for Storm Floris
Split image. On the left - Thick, stormy clouds cover the sky at the coast. The sea is to the left with a beach taking centre frame. On the right - View of the North Sea with rays of sunlight streaming down over cloud.
Sunday 10 August 2025

Your weather - Your shots

Snaps from a stormy week
Thursday 31 July 2025

Brewing in the Atlantic

Summer storm to start the week?
All weather news
This might also interest you
Weather map showing England, Wales, and south-east Ireland. Clear skies over England and Wales with Ireland overcast. A large sun icon rests over England.
Friday 8 August 2025

Clouds part

Sunny weekend ahead
Man sits with telescope looking up at the Milky Way.
Friday 1 August 2025

August astronomy outlook

Return of the Perseid meteor shower
Friday 8 August 2025

Breakfast brief

Wet and windy again for many
All articles
Weather & Radar

www.weatherandradar.ie

facebooktwitteryouTubeContact uslinkList
Privacy Policy | Legal info | Accessibility statement