Today's barometric pressure in Des Moines, 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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Des Moines sits in the open plains where weather systems have unobstructed paths. The city's continental climate means extreme seasonal shifts, and spring severe weather season brings some of the most dramatic pressure events in the central US.
Worst season for migraines: October through April. Des Moines occupies the central Iowa plains where spring severe weather brings derechos, supercells, and tornadoes. Winter brings rapid pressure swings from Alberta Clippers and Colorado lows, while the transition seasons see the most dramatic temperature and pressure oscillations.
Common triggers in Des Moines: spring derecho and supercell pressure drops, rapid cold front temperature drops exceeding 30 degrees, winter blizzard pressure gradients. Des Moines sits at the confluence of the Des Moines and Raccoon rivers in the rolling prairies of central Iowa. The flat, open terrain provides no topographic barrier to weather systems approaching from any direction. The city's continental position means it experiences the full range of North American air masses, from Arctic to Gulf tropical, often within the same week during transition seasons.
Typical pressure: Des Moines averages 985 hPa at rest, measured at the city's own elevation rather than corrected to sea level, and storm systems can push readings down to 968 hPa. Swings of 7-16 hPa over 24 hours are common during active weather and fall within the range most associated with pressure-triggered migraines.
2026 index: Des Moines ranks #28 of 100 in our 2026 U.S. Migraine Risk Index, where #1 is the most challenging city for weather-driven migraine.
Can Des Moines weather trigger migraines?
Yes. Des Moines experiences 7-16 hPa barometric pressure swings, and research shows pressure drops are one of the most common migraine triggers. The city's specific patterns include spring derecho and supercell pressure drops, rapid cold front temperature drops exceeding 30 degrees, winter blizzard pressure gradients.
What time of year are migraines worst in Des Moines?
In Des Moines 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 Des Moines?
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 Des Moines 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 Des Moines. The MigrAid app learns yours. It saves the barometric pressure, humidity and temperature with every migraine you log, shows whether Des Moines's swings really line up with your attacks, and alerts you when conditions match your own trigger history.