Barometric pressure is the amount of pressure the air is pushing onto your body. Changes in barometric pressure can cause headaches or pain.

If you have ever had a severe headache or migraine episode, you know how debilitating it can be. Not knowing when the next headache is coming can make it hard to make plans or, in some cases, to fully enjoy life.

If it seems like your headaches come on during or after changes in the weather, start paying closer attention. Changes in barometric pressure can induce headaches, so it’s important to be aware of upcoming weather changes if barometric pressure is a factor for you.

Barometric pressure refers to the pressure in the air or the amount of force that is being applied to your body from the air. Because our sinuses are filled with air, any change in that pressure can affect headaches.

Barometric pressure headaches occur after a change in barometric pressure. They feel like your typical headache or migraine, but you may have some additional symptoms, including:

  • nausea and vomiting
  • increased sensitivity to light
  • numbness in the face and neck
  • pain in one or both temples

You may have barometric headaches if you regularly experience these symptoms with headache when it’s rainy or humid.

When the outside barometric pressure lowers, it creates a difference between the pressure in the outside air and the air in your sinuses. That can result in pain.

The same thing happens when you are on a plane. As the pressure changes with the altitude on takeoff, you might experience ear popping or pain from that change.

A retrospective observational cross-sectional study in Japan concluded that low barometric pressure, barometric pressure changes, high humidity and rainfall were associated with increased headaches in a group of 40, 617 respondents who reported using a smartphone app.

The barometric pressure doesn’t have to change drastically to cause headaches, either. In a study published in 2015, researchers looked at the effects of barometric pressure on people with chronic migraines. The researchers found that even small decreases in barometric pressure induced migraines.

A 2024 study of male and female participants found that headaches associated with low air pressure occurred more frequently among women.

However, reviews in 2019 and 2020 found the data on the association between barometric pressure and headaches to be inconsistent. Further, more thorough research is needed on this subject.

See your doctor if your headaches are affecting your quality of life. If you suspect that your headaches are related to the weather changes, let your doctor know about this pattern.

It’s important to keep track of your symptoms and report any changes or patterns to your doctor. There may be another explanation, so it’s best to review your symptoms together.

There’s no specific test to diagnose barometric headaches, so it’s important to give your doctor as much information as possible. Your doctor will ask about:

  • when the headaches occur
  • how long they last
  • what makes them better or worse

Try keeping a headache journal for at least one month before reviewing it with your doctor. That can help you accurately answer their questions or see patterns you hadn’t noticed.

If this is your first time seeing a doctor for your headaches, they will most likely perform a total headache workup.

Your doctor will ask about your past medical history, as well as any family members who experience chronic headaches or migraines. They may also recommend running some tests to rule out other more serious causes of headaches. These tests may include:

  • neurologic exam
  • blood tests
  • MRI
  • CT scan
  • lumbar puncture

Treatment for barometric pressure headaches differs from person to person and depends on how severe the headaches have become. Some people can manage symptoms with over-the-counter (OTC) medications, like:

  • acetaminophen (Tylenol)
  • ibuprofen> (Advil)
  • Excedrin, which is a combination drug that includes acetaminophen, caffeine, and aspirin

If OTC medications don’t provide relief, your doctor may prescribe a medication. Prescription medications for headaches and migraines include:

  • triptans
  • antinausea medications
  • ergotamines

In severe cases, Botox injections or nerve decompression surgery may be recommended.

The best way to prevent barometric pressure headaches is to be aware of your headache patterns. The sooner you recognize the headache coming on, the faster you can treat or prevent it.

If your doctor has prescribed medication for your headaches, be sure to take it at the first sign of the headache to prevent a severe migraine. You may notice head pain or other symptoms, like ringing in your ears, aura, or nausea.

Take care of your body in other ways, too. Try these:

  • Get 7 to 8 hours of sleep each night.
  • Drink a minimum of eight glasses of water per day.
  • Exercise most days of the week.
  • Eat a balanced diet and avoid skipping meals.
  • Practice relaxation techniques if you’re experiencing stress.

You can’t control the weather. By being aware of your headache patterns and working closely with your doctor, you may be able to manage your headaches effectively and reduce their impact on your daily life.