Today's barometric pressure in Raleigh, a 48-hour pressure chart, and a migraine risk score based on pressure drops, humidity, and temperature changes.
Raleigh's Research Triangle location in the NC Piedmont puts it in the path of both coastal storms and systems crossing the Appalachians. The city's transitional climate means frequent weather changes, especially during the active spring tornado season.
Worst season for migraines: March through May and October through December. Raleigh's position in the central Carolina Piedmont exposes it to both inland severe weather and moisture from Atlantic systems. Cold air damming events east of the Blue Ridge create prolonged overcast, raw conditions that can persist for days during winter.
Common triggers in Raleigh: cold air damming against the Blue Ridge, tropical remnant rainfall events, rapid temperature fluctuations during spring frontal passages. Raleigh sits at 400 feet elevation in the rolling Piedmont between the Appalachian foothills and the coastal plain. The Falls Lake reservoir to the north and Jordan Lake to the southwest add localized moisture to the atmosphere. The Research Triangle's geographic position means it catches weather from the mountains, the coast, and the Gulf, giving it more weather variability than its mild reputation suggests.
Typical pressure: Raleigh averages 1006 hPa at rest, measured at the city's own elevation rather than corrected to sea level, and storm systems can push readings down to 992 hPa. Swings of 10-16 hPa over 24 hours are common during active weather and fall within the range most associated with pressure-triggered migraines.
Can Raleigh weather trigger migraines?
Yes. Raleigh experiences 10-16 hPa barometric pressure swings, and research shows pressure drops are one of the most common migraine triggers. The city's specific patterns include cold air damming against the Blue Ridge, tropical remnant rainfall events, rapid temperature fluctuations during spring frontal passages.
What time of year are migraines worst in Raleigh?
In Raleigh the most barometrically volatile stretch of the year falls in March through May and October through December. 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 Raleigh?
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 Raleigh's weather conditions over time.
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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 Raleigh's swings actually line up with your attacks, and get a heads-up on days that match your pattern.