Today's barometric pressure in Cleveland, 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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Cleveland's Lake Erie location creates pronounced lake-effect weather that can change conditions dramatically within minutes. The city's industrial Great Lakes climate means gray skies and pressure systems that can stall and linger for days.
Worst season for migraines: October through April. Lake Erie's influence dominates Cleveland's weather, generating lake-effect snow, clouds, and pressure variations throughout the cold season. The lake remains unfrozen through much of winter, fueling moisture-laden air that amplifies every passing cold front.
Common triggers in Cleveland: Lake Erie lake-effect pressure systems, persistent winter cloud cover reducing light exposure, rapid cold front passages off the Great Lakes. Cleveland's North Coast location on Lake Erie creates lake-effect weather that can produce dramatically different conditions between the lakefront and areas just 20 miles inland. The Cuyahoga River valley channels cold lake air into the city center. Persistent winter cloud cover, averaging 70% of days overcast from November through March, reduces light exposure and compounds weather-related migraine risk.
Typical pressure: Cleveland averages 993 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 7-17 hPa over 24 hours are common during active weather and fall within the range most associated with pressure-triggered migraines.
2026 index: Cleveland ranks #33 of 100 in our 2026 U.S. Migraine Risk Index, where #1 is the most challenging city for weather-driven migraine.
Can Cleveland weather trigger migraines?
Yes. Cleveland experiences 7-17 hPa barometric pressure swings, and research shows pressure drops are one of the most common migraine triggers. The city's specific patterns include Lake Erie lake-effect pressure systems, persistent winter cloud cover reducing light exposure, rapid cold front passages off the Great Lakes.
What time of year are migraines worst in Cleveland?
In Cleveland 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 Cleveland?
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 Cleveland 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 Cleveland. The MigrAid app learns yours. It saves the barometric pressure, humidity and temperature with every migraine you log, shows whether Cleveland's swings really line up with your attacks, and alerts you when conditions match your own trigger history.