Today's barometric pressure in Anchorage, a 48-hour pressure chart, and a risk score for weather-triggered migraine and headache, based on pressure drops, humidity, and temperature changes.
Loading live forecast for Anchorage...
Anchorage's subarctic location means extreme seasonal daylight changes on top of volatile weather. Gulf of Alaska storms bring powerful pressure systems, and the city's mountainous geography creates complex local weather effects that amplify barometric swings.
Worst season for migraines: August through May. Anchorage experiences some of the most extreme pressure variability in the US, driven by powerful North Pacific storms that funnel through Cook Inlet. Chinook wind events from the Chugach Mountains can raise temperatures 40 degrees in hours while dramatically shifting barometric pressure.
Common triggers in Anchorage: extreme North Pacific storm pressure bombs, Chinook wind events from the Chugach Mountains, prolonged winter darkness reducing serotonin levels. Anchorage sits on a coastal lowland between the Chugach Mountains and Cook Inlet, creating a dramatic geographic setting that amplifies weather events. The 4,000-foot mountains immediately east of the city generate Chinook winds that can produce the fastest temperature and pressure changes of any US metro. Winter daylight drops to under 5.5 hours at solstice, adding light-deprivation triggers to the already extreme barometric environment.
Typical pressure: Anchorage averages 1004 hPa at rest, measured at the city's own elevation rather than corrected to sea level, and storm systems can push readings down to 974 hPa. Swings of 8-18 hPa over 24 hours are common during active weather and fall within the range most associated with pressure-triggered migraines.
2026 index: Anchorage ranks #11 of 100 in our 2026 U.S. Migraine Risk Index, where #1 is the most challenging city for weather-driven migraine.
Can Anchorage weather trigger migraines?
Yes. Anchorage experiences 8-18 hPa barometric pressure swings, and research shows pressure drops are one of the most common migraine triggers. The city's specific patterns include extreme North Pacific storm pressure bombs, Chinook wind events from the Chugach Mountains, prolonged winter darkness reducing serotonin levels.
What time of year are migraines worst in Anchorage?
In Anchorage the most barometrically volatile stretch of the year falls in August through May. That is when weather is most likely to play a part, if weather is a trigger for you at all. See when migraine weather season starts across the U.S.
Is there a barometric pressure headache forecast for Anchorage?
This page works as one. Many people call a headache that arrives with a weather change a barometric pressure headache, and this forecast tracks the pressure drops, humidity and temperature swings behind that idea. The score covers the next 24 hours in Anchorage and the chart shows the next 48. It is built on migraine research, so treat it as a rough guide for other headaches. A sudden, severe headache needs urgent medical care, whatever the weather.
Your own forecast
This page shows the weather risk for everyone in Anchorage. The MigrAid app learns yours. It saves the barometric pressure, humidity and temperature with every migraine you log, shows whether Anchorage's swings really line up with your attacks, and alerts you when conditions match your own trigger history.