Today's barometric pressure in Buffalo, 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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Buffalo is famous for lake-effect weather from Lake Erie, but the pressure changes that accompany these events are the real migraine trigger. The city experiences some of the fastest and most dramatic barometric swings of any metro area in the Northeast.
Worst season for migraines: October through April. Buffalo's position at the eastern end of Lake Erie makes it the epicenter of Great Lakes lake-effect weather. Cold Arctic air crossing the warm lake generates intense, sustained snow events with associated pressure changes that can persist for days when winds remain from the west or southwest.
Common triggers in Buffalo: extreme lake-effect snow events with sustained low pressure, Alberta Clipper rapid frontal passages, persistent winter cloud cover reducing sunlight to among the lowest in the US. Buffalo sits where Lake Erie narrows into the Niagara River, creating one of the most intense lake-effect zones in North America. The city averages over 95 inches of snowfall annually, nearly all driven by lake-effect mechanics. The Niagara Escarpment running through the metro adds elevation differences that concentrate snowfall in certain neighborhoods. Winter cloud cover averages around 75% of days overcast, making it one of the gloomiest cities in the nation.
Typical pressure: Buffalo averages 994 hPa at rest, measured at the city's own elevation rather than corrected to sea level, and storm systems can push readings down to 975 hPa. Swings of 7-18 hPa over 24 hours are common during active weather and fall within the range most associated with pressure-triggered migraines.
2026 index: Buffalo ranks #31 of 100 in our 2026 U.S. Migraine Risk Index, where #1 is the most challenging city for weather-driven migraine.
Can Buffalo weather trigger migraines?
Yes. Buffalo experiences 7-18 hPa barometric pressure swings, and research shows pressure drops are one of the most common migraine triggers. The city's specific patterns include extreme lake-effect snow events with sustained low pressure, Alberta Clipper rapid frontal passages, persistent winter cloud cover reducing sunlight to among the lowest in the US.
What time of year are migraines worst in Buffalo?
In Buffalo the most barometrically volatile stretch of the year falls in October through April. 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 Buffalo?
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 Buffalo 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 Buffalo. The MigrAid app learns yours. It saves the barometric pressure, humidity and temperature with every migraine you log, shows whether Buffalo's swings really line up with your attacks, and alerts you when conditions match your own trigger history.