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
Thursday 19 June 2025

31.3°C at Heathrow

Hottest day of the year so far
Friday 20 June 2025

Storms after the heat

Thunderstorm warnings for the weekend
Friday 13 June 2025

Flooding & hail possible

Warnings for overnight thunderstorms
All weather news
This might also interest you
Monday 16 June 2025

Breakfast brief

Cloudy though heat remains
Tuesday 24 June 2025

Breakfast brief

Blustery, rainy day
Friday 20 June 2025

Breakfast brief

More cloud cover, remaining widely warm
All articles
Weather & Radar

www.weatherandradar.ie

facebooktwitteryouTubeContact uslinkList
Privacy Policy | Legal info