Today's barometric pressure in Bismarck, a 48-hour pressure chart, and a risk score for weather-triggered migraine and headache, based on pressure drops, humidity, and temperature changes.
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Bismarck sits at 514 metres on the Missouri River in the heart of the northern plains, with one of the widest annual temperature ranges of any US city. Pressure averages 954 hPa and swings up to 14 hPa during active weather.
Worst season for migraines: December, February and January. Arctic outbreaks that can drop temperatures 30 degrees within a day make the coldest months the steepest. Each of those intrusions arrives with a sharp barometric rise behind it.
Common triggers in Bismarck: Arctic outbreaks with 30-degree drops, extreme winter high pressure readings, open plains ground blizzards. Central North Dakota experiences temperature extremes spanning more than 70 degrees between summer and winter, and the pressure systems responsible are correspondingly powerful. Ground blizzards driven by wind alone are common on the open plains, and the flat terrain provides no shelter from either the wind or the systems that generate it. Winter high pressure here can reach some of the highest readings recorded in North America.
Typical pressure: Bismarck averages 954 hPa at rest, measured at the city's own elevation rather than corrected to sea level, and storm systems can push readings down to 938 hPa. Swings of 7-14 hPa over 24 hours are common during active weather and fall within the range most associated with pressure-triggered migraines.
2026 index: Bismarck is not one of the 100 metros ranked in our 2026 U.S. Migraine Risk Index, which shows how they compare.
Can Bismarck weather trigger migraines?
Yes. Bismarck experiences 7-14 hPa barometric pressure swings, and research shows pressure drops are one of the most common migraine triggers. The city's specific patterns include Arctic outbreaks with 30-degree drops, extreme winter high pressure readings, open plains ground blizzards.
What time of year are migraines worst in Bismarck?
In Bismarck the most barometrically volatile stretch of the year falls in December, February and January. 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 Bismarck?
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 Bismarck 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 Bismarck. The MigrAid app learns yours. It saves the barometric pressure, humidity and temperature with every migraine you log, shows whether Bismarck's swings really line up with your attacks, and alerts you when conditions match your own trigger history.