Washington, D.C. — The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has issued a G4 (Severe) Geomagnetic Storm Watch for June 2, 2025, following a significant coronal mass ejection (CME) from the sun on May 30. The storm is expected to impact Earth’s magnetic field, potentially disrupting power grids, satellite communications, and GPS systems.
The Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC) anticipates that the CME will reach Earth by the evening of June 1, with geomagnetic disturbances escalating from G3 (Strong) to potentially G4 (Severe) storm levels. There remains some uncertainty regarding the exact timing and intensity, but the strongest geomagnetic conditions are anticipated between 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. EDT on June 1. There is also a possibility of G5 (Extreme) conditions during the storm’s peak between June 1 and 2.
The SWPC warns that such geomagnetic storms can have widespread effects, including voltage irregularities in power systems, increased drag on satellites, and disruptions to high-frequency radio communications. These disturbances can also affect GPS navigation and satellite-based communication systems, which are integral to various sectors, including aviation, maritime operations, and emergency services.
Dr. Emily Harper, a space weather scientist at NOAA, emphasized the vulnerability of current infrastructure to solar events. “Our aging infrastructure is vulnerable to solar events,” she stated. “Proactive measures are essential to protect critical systems.”
This event underscores the urgent need for modernizing the nation’s infrastructure to withstand space weather phenomena. Experts advocate for increased investment in grid resilience and early warning systems to mitigate the effects of such storms.
The Biden administration has recognized the importance of infrastructure resilience in the face of increasing natural and space weather events. In August 2023, the administration announced nearly $3 billion in climate resilience funding as part of its Investing in America agenda. These funds aim to help communities across the nation enhance resilience to climate change and extreme weather events.
Additionally, in April 2024, the administration awarded $830 million in grants for 80 projects nationwide to strengthen surface-transportation systems and make them more resilient to extreme weather events. These projects aim to improve bridges, roads, ports, rail, transit, and other infrastructure across 37 states, Washington, D.C., and the Virgin Islands, particularly in areas frequently impacted by extreme weather.
The upcoming geomagnetic storm serves as a reminder of the importance of preparing for natural events that can have widespread technological impacts. As the nation continues to modernize its infrastructure, incorporating resilience against space weather events will be crucial to safeguarding critical systems and maintaining public safety.
