Today's barometric pressure in Tucson, a 48-hour pressure chart, and a migraine risk score based on pressure drops, humidity, and temperature changes.
Tucson's Sonoran Desert climate means extreme heat and low humidity for much of the year. The monsoon season brings a dramatic shift, with sudden humidity spikes and afternoon thunderstorms that drop pressure rapidly across the valley.
Worst season for migraines: July through September. Tucson is ground zero for the North American Monsoon, receiving more monsoon moisture than Phoenix due to its higher elevation and proximity to the moisture source in the Gulf of California. Daily thunderstorms in summer produce sharp but brief pressure drops accompanied by dramatic humidity swings.
Common triggers in Tucson: monsoon thunderstorm pressure drops, dust storms and haboobs reducing air quality, extreme daily temperature swings of 25-35 degrees. Tucson sits at 2,400 feet in a broad desert basin ringed by five mountain ranges, including the 9,000-foot Santa Catalinas to the north. These mountains trigger orographic lift that initiates thunderstorm development, often visible hours before storms reach the city floor. The surrounding Sonoran Desert generates dust storms that can engulf the metro area, adding particulate triggers on top of pressure changes.
Typical pressure: Tucson averages 929 hPa at rest, measured at the city's own elevation rather than corrected to sea level, and storm systems can push readings down to 922 hPa. Swings of 6-10 hPa over 24 hours are common during active weather and fall within the range most associated with pressure-triggered migraines.
Can Tucson weather trigger migraines?
Yes. Tucson experiences 6-10 hPa barometric pressure swings, and research shows pressure drops are one of the most common migraine triggers. The city's specific patterns include monsoon thunderstorm pressure drops, dust storms and haboobs reducing air quality, extreme daily temperature swings of 25-35 degrees.
What time of year are migraines worst in Tucson?
In Tucson the most barometrically volatile stretch of the year falls in July through September. 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 Tucson?
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 Tucson'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 Tucson's swings actually line up with your attacks, and get a heads-up on days that match your pattern.