If you’re living with chronic migraine, you know that identifying and understanding your triggers is an important part of managing your condition. Factors that many people never think about can contribute to a migraine attack. One of the more common triggers for migraine is fluctuations in barometric pressure, or the pressure in the atmosphere.

“Air pressure shifted yesterday,” one MyMigraineTeam member shared. “Still feeling some of the pressure and pain today.”

In this article, we’ll explore the science behind barometric pressure and headaches, including migraine headaches. We’ll also provide four practical tips to reduce the impact that the atmosphere has on your migraine symptoms.

What Is Barometric Pressure?

Barometric pressure, also known as atmospheric pressure, is the force made by the air pressing down in the Earth’s atmosphere. It varies from day to day, depending on temperature and weather conditions. Usually, the air pressure lowers before a storm. Quick drops in air pressure might also signal:

• In hot weather — Incoming thunder or high wind
• In cold weather — A thaw, or warmer weather

Air pressure also varies based on where you live, especially with altitude. The atmospheric pressure on top of a mountain in Colorado is generally lower than the pressure by the beach in South Carolina.

A shift in barometric pressure and weather conditions can trigger a migraine episode in some people who are prone to them.

The Link Between Barometric Pressure and Headaches

Many people experience headaches or migraine attacks with changes in barometric pressure, specifically a rapid drop in pressure. “I kiddingly refer to myself as a human barometer because it can be a gorgeous day, but if a storm’s at least two days away, I’m in agony,” one MyMigraineTeam member wrote.

Why does this happen?

Sinus Pressure and Barometric Change

The sinuses are spaces behind the forehead, cheeks, and nose that are filled with air. The pressure in your sinuses is influenced by the atmospheric pressure. When the air pressure drops quickly, such as before a storm, the pressure in your sinuses also quickly decreases.

Altered Fluid Flow

A change in sinus pressure affects the fluids in tissues around the sinuses. More pressure forces more fluid in the tissues. This increases pressure in places like your forehead and nose.

Increased Sensitivity

Researchers think that atmospheric pressure changes may impact how your brain reacts to pain. When air pressure drops, you may be more sensitive to head pain. This can make migraines brought on by air pressure changes more severe than usual.

Symptoms of Barometric Pressure-Induced Headaches

In addition to typical migraine symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and light sensitivity, people with barometric pressure migraine attacks may have other sinus-related symptoms.

Sinus Pain

Due to the air filling the sinuses, many people experience facial discomfort or pain when the barometric pressure changes. This feeling of pressure or pain in the forehead, around the eyes, or across the cheeks is often mistaken for sinusitis. But it may actually be related to changes in barometric pressure.

Postnasal Drip

Many people experience mucus draining down their throat during migraine attacks triggered by atmospheric pressure changes.

Teary Eyes

Migraine attacks triggered by barometric pressure changes can also result in watery eyes.

By tracking these symptoms and correlating them with weather changes, you may begin to notice a pattern. This can help you predict and prepare for future migraine attacks.

4 Tips To Reduce the Risk of Barometric Pressure Headaches

While you can’t control the weather, there are several strategies you can use to reduce your risk of a migraine attack when the barometric pressure changes.

1. Stay Hydrated

Dehydration is a well-known migraine trigger. It can worsen both headaches and migraines, including migraines brought on by barometric pressure changes. Staying hydrated helps you maintain your fluid balance, which may prevent migraines.

One MyMigraineTeam member said, “I’m a hiker and am finding it very difficult to stay appropriately hydrated in the summer heat. Lately every hike ends with a migraine attack that can last up to four days.”

Make sure you’re drinking plenty of water throughout the day. This is especially true when the weather is hot and when you notice weather shifts on the horizon.

2. Manage Stress

Stress is another major contributor to migraine attacks. “Work stress combined with weather changes are setting me up for the worst migraine attack!” one member shared.

Practicing stress management and relaxation techniques such as meditation, deep breathing, or yoga can help you stay calm and reduce the likelihood of a headache. Getting enough sleep, eating healthy, exercising, and avoiding extra caffeine and alcohol can boost your ability to combat stress. When you manage your stress, you can lower the impact of barometric pressure changes on your body.

3. Use Preventive Medications

If you are prone to frequent migraine attacks — and especially if you know they are triggered by barometric pressure changes — talk to your health care provider about preventive medications for migraine. “I used to get most of my migraine attacks from falling barometric pressure,” one member explained. “Propranolol helps a lot.”

Taking these medications as prescribed may reduce how often you get migraine attacks, even with known triggers like approaching storms. They can reduce the severity of your migraine or prevent it altogether.

If you feel a migraine coming on because of a weather change, try to take a medication in advance like ibuprofen (Advil), acetaminophen (Tylenol), or a triptan prescribed by your doctor.

4. Monitor Weather Forecasts

“I used to love rainy days, but gradually that became my biggest trigger — low air pressure, which means storms … and a migraine attack,” shared one MyMigraineTeam member. Members like these benefit from keeping track of the pressure in the atmosphere. “I watch my barometer faithfully,” another member shared.

Monitoring the weather can help you anticipate barometric pressure changes. Many weather apps and websites offer detailed information about the forecast for barometric pressure. By staying informed, you can take steps to avoid this trigger. You can even include air pressure levels in a headache diary to see if your migraine attacks are triggered by the air pressure.

Best and Worst Places To Live for Barometric Pressure Headaches

If barometric pressure is a significant migraine trigger for you, where you live may make a difference. One member asked, “Where is the best place to live with less barometric pressure systems?”

Some areas in the U.S. experience more frequent changes in barometric pressure, which could lead to more frequent, severe headaches. For example, cities with volatile weather patterns and high humidity — like in the Midwest or along the coast — may not be ideal.

“I live on Long Island, and the rain and pressure in the air has been affecting my head,” shared one member. Another said, “Traveled to Tampa for a football game. Enjoying the game, but this low air pressure is triggering my migraine headaches.”

On the other hand, locations with more stable weather — particularly warm, dry climates like certain parts of California, Arizona, or Nevada — may be better suited for people sensitive to barometric pressure changes. “I moved from Utah to Cabo, and after three months, my daily severe pain became mild and bearable,” one member said.

It’s important to note that air pressure isn’t the only cause for migraines, and changing where you live may not significantly help. Also, the American Migraine Foundation states that changes in weather, including barometric pressure, may only trigger migraines in people who are already prone to them due to fatigue, stress, or lack of sleep. It may be difficult to identify a consistent relationship between weather and migraines.

Talk to Your Health Care Provider

If you suspect that barometric pressure changes are triggering your headaches, it’s important to discuss this with your neurologist. A headache specialist can help you identify your triggers and develop personalized tips for migraine relief. By taking proactive steps, you can reduce the impact of barometric pressure on your migraines and improve your quality of life.

Talk With Others Who Understand

On MyMigraineTeam, the social network for people with migraine and their loved ones, more than 83,000 members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories with others who can relate to their migraine experiences.

Have you noticed the effect of barometric pressure on your migraines? How do you deal with this trigger? Share your experience in the comments below, or start a conversation by posting on your Activities page.

Are your headaches a symptom of migraine? Get a quick assessment.