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
pinecones
Thursday, 11 December 2025

Winter helpers

How pine cones aid the weather forecast
Split image showing a night-time UK rain radar map with blue precipitation bands, city temperature markers, and a rain cloud icon on the left, and a star-filled night sky with the Milky Way and a silhouetted telescope on the right, divided by a curved white line.
Sunday, 21 December 2025

Ursid meteor shower

Wish upon a Christmas star
Weather map showing temperatures and a 4,542 mile route arrow over the Atlantic. Symbols indicate sun, clouds and precipitation from North America to Europe.
Wednesday, 17 December 2025

From Europe to America

Weather front over 4,500 miles long
All weather news
This might also interest you
plit image showing a double rainbow over a rocky shoreline on the left and sheep grazing in a green field under stormy clouds on the right.
Sunday, 2 November 2025

Your weather - Your shots

Mixed conditions on an unsettled week
Friday, 22 August 2025

Breakfast brief

Sunny start for some, overcast later
Weather graphic showing rain and wind fields over the Canary Islands and a central warning symbol.
Friday, 12 December 2025

Storm and rain

Turbulent weather in the Canary Islands
All articles
Weather & Radar

Weather & Radar is also available on

Google Play StoreApp Store

Company

Contact us Privacy Policy Legal info Accessibility statement

Services

Uploader

Socials

facebooktwittertikToklinkList