Today's barometric pressure in Buffalo, a 48-hour pressure chart, and a migraine risk score based on pressure drops, humidity, and temperature changes.
Buffalo is famous for lake-effect weather from Lake Erie, but the pressure changes that accompany these events are the real migraine trigger. The city experiences some of the fastest and most dramatic barometric swings of any metro area in the Northeast.
Worst season for migraines: October through April. Buffalo's position at the eastern end of Lake Erie makes it the epicenter of Great Lakes lake-effect weather. Cold Arctic air crossing the warm lake generates intense, sustained snow events with associated pressure changes that can persist for days when winds remain from the west or southwest.
Common triggers in Buffalo: extreme lake-effect snow events with sustained low pressure, Alberta Clipper rapid frontal passages, persistent winter cloud cover reducing sunlight to among the lowest in the US. Buffalo sits where Lake Erie narrows into the Niagara River, creating one of the most intense lake-effect zones in North America. The city averages over 95 inches of snowfall annually, nearly all driven by lake-effect mechanics. The Niagara Escarpment running through the metro adds elevation differences that concentrate snowfall in certain neighborhoods. Winter cloud cover averages around 75% of days overcast, making it one of the gloomiest cities in the nation.
Typical pressure: Buffalo averages 994 hPa at rest, measured at the city's own elevation rather than corrected to sea level, and storm systems can push readings down to 975 hPa. Swings of 16-24 hPa over 24 hours are common during active weather and fall within the range most associated with pressure-triggered migraines.
Can Buffalo weather trigger migraines?
Yes. Buffalo experiences 16-24 hPa barometric pressure swings, and research shows pressure drops are one of the most common migraine triggers. The city's specific patterns include extreme lake-effect snow events with sustained low pressure, Alberta Clipper rapid frontal passages, persistent winter cloud cover reducing sunlight to among the lowest in the US.
What time of year are migraines worst in Buffalo?
In Buffalo the most barometrically volatile stretch of the year falls in October through April. That is when weather is most likely to play a part, if weather is a trigger for you at all.
How do I track migraine triggers in Buffalo?
Use MigrAid to log your attacks with one tap. The app automatically records barometric pressure, temperature, and humidity at the time of each migraine, then finds patterns between your attacks and Buffalo's weather conditions over time.
Loading live forecast for Buffalo...
Is it really the weather?
Weather gets blamed for a lot of migraines, but it's hard to know if it's really behind yours. The MigrAid app saves the barometric pressure with every migraine you log, so after a few weeks you can see whether Buffalo's swings actually line up with your attacks, and get a heads-up on days that match your pattern.