đ Latest Meta-Analysis & Key Studies
Meta-Analysis: "Association between weather conditions and migraine" (2025)
This comprehensive analysis combined 31 studies up to December 2024 and found a significant link: approximately 47% of people report weather changes as migraine triggers. Specific factors include higher temperature (OR 1.15), changing ambient pressure (OR 1.07) significantly associated, while humidity was not statistically significant (OR 1.04). Air pollutants such as PMâ.â , PMââ, NOâ, CO, and Oâ also raised migraine risk.
Read the full study in Journal of NeurologyDenney (2024) â "Whether Weather Matters with Migraine"
About 49% of migraineurs self-report weather as a trigger. Relative humidity rises of ~26% were linked to ~28% greater odds of an attackâespecially in warm seasons. Temperature and pressure effects varied across studies; some showed no significant association.
Read the full study (PMC)Latest Observation Study (2023 â Headache Journal & JNS)
Low barometric pressure, pressure fluctuations, high humidity, and rainfall were associated with increased headache frequency.
Read the full studyWeather, Ambient Air Pollution & Migraine Risk (Li et al., 2019)
This cohort study found that low pressure, high humidity, and exposure to traffic-related pollution significantly increased the odds of migraine onset during warm seasons.
Read the full studyđ Mechanisms & Emerging Perspectives
Meteoropathy: The Weather-Pain Connection
Meteoropathyâthe emerging field connecting weather shifts to physiological symptoms like migrainesâsuggests that barometric pressure drops, humidity spikes, and temperature swings can activate the autonomic nervous system, alter hormone levels, or affect bloodâoxygen saturation, heightening pain sensitivity.
Lightning Proximity
One study found a 31% increase in migraine frequency on days with lightning within ~25 miles.
Climate Change Impact
Research indicates that every 10°F rise in temperature may increase headache occurrence by ~6%.
â ď¸ Limitations & Individual Variability
Understanding Research Limitations
Mixed Results
Some studies report modest or inconsistent effects of specific variables (e.g., humidity or temperature). Sample sizes, study designs (cross-sectional vs. diary-based), and subjective reporting all influence outcomes.
Confounding Factors
Lifestyle changes, time spent outdoors, physical activity, and seasonal routines can distort associations unless controlled forâsome newer causal models suggest an interaction between weather and behavior.
Individual Differences
The most critical factor is individual sensitivity. What triggers one person may not affect another. This is why personalized tracking is key to understanding your own patterns.
Access & Link Reliability
We aim to provide accurate, useful information and cite primary sources wherever possible. However, links may change over time ("link rot"), and some journals are behind paywalls. When a link breaks or requires access, we recommend searching the DOI, checking preprint or institutional repositories, or contacting usâwe'll do our best to keep references current.
The Science of Weather and Migraines
Between 30% and 50% of migraine sufferers identify weather as a triggerâmaking it among the most frequently cited triggers.[1] While individual experiences vary significantly, scientific research continues to explore these connections.
Most Reported Weather Triggers:
- Barometric pressure changes
- Temperature fluctuations
- High humidity
- Strong winds
Key Research Findings:
- ~47% of patients in a meta-analysis reported weather as a trigger for their headaches.[2]
- Drops in barometric pressure of more than 5 hPa were linked to a significant increase in migraine frequency.[3]
- Higher temperatures are associated with an increased number of emergency department visits for headache.[1]
- Air pollution, especially from traffic, can compound the effects of weather and increase migraine risk.[4]
đ Notable Studies
Denney (2024) â "Whether Weather Matters with Migraine"
About 49% of migraineurs self-report weather as a trigger. Relative humidity rises of ~26% were linked to ~28% greater odds of an attackâespecially in warm seasons. Temperature and pressure effects varied across studies; some showed no significant association.
Read the full study (PMC)Latest Observation Study (2023 â Headache Journal & JNS)
Low barometric pressure, pressure fluctuations, high humidity, and rainfall were associated with increased headache frequency.
Read the full studyWeather, Ambient Air Pollution & Migraine Risk (Li et al., 2019)
This cohort study found that low pressure, high humidity, and exposure to traffic-related pollution significantly increased the odds of migraine onset during warm seasons.
Read the full studyđ Mechanisms & Emerging Perspectives
Meteoropathy: The Weather-Pain Connection
Meteoropathyâthe emerging field connecting weather shifts to physiological symptoms like migrainesâsuggests that barometric pressure drops, humidity spikes, and temperature swings can activate the autonomic nervous system, alter hormone levels, or affect bloodâoxygen saturation, heightening pain sensitivity.
đ References
- American Migraine Foundation. (n.d.). *Weather and Migraine*. Retrieved from americanmigrainefoundation.org
- Pellegrino, A. B. W., Davis-Martin, R. E., Houle, T. T., & Turner, D. P. (2017). Perceived triggers of primary headache disorders: A meta-analysis. *Cephalalgia*, 38(6), 1188-1198. (As cited in Denney, D. E., et al. (2024). Whether Weather Matters with Migraine. *Current Pain and Headache Reports*, 28, 181â187).
- Okuma, H., et al. (2011). Influence of barometric pressure in patients with migraine headache. *Internal Medicine*, 50(18), 1995-2000.
- Mukamal, K. J., Wellenius, G. A., Suh, H. H., & Mittleman, M. A. (2009). Weather and air pollution as triggers of severe headaches. *Neurology*, 72(10), 922â927.
Your Personal Weather-Migraine Connection
While science provides a framework, your own data is the most powerful tool. By tracking your migraines alongside local weather conditions, you can uncover the specific patterns that affect you. This is the first step toward proactive management and fewer migraine days.
Check Your Personalized Forecast