Today's barometric pressure in Philadelphia, 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 Philadelphia...
Philadelphia sits in the path of weather systems moving up the East Coast, experiencing frequent pressure fluctuations. The Delaware Valley's mix of coastal and inland weather patterns creates unpredictable conditions for migraine sufferers.
Worst season for migraines: November through April. Philadelphia's Delaware Valley location puts it in the primary East Coast storm track. Nor'easters and coastal lows track directly over or near the city multiple times per season, each bringing sustained pressure drops that can last 24-48 hours.
Common triggers in Philadelphia: coastal storm systems, rapid temperature changes during frontal passages, high humidity in summer heat waves. The Philadelphia metro area sits in a transition zone between maritime and continental climates. This means the city gets hit by both coastal storms and interior weather systems, doubling the number of significant pressure events compared to cities firmly in one climate zone.
Typical pressure: Philadelphia averages 1015 hPa at rest, measured at the city's own elevation rather than corrected to sea level, and storm systems can push readings down to 996 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: Philadelphia ranks #39 of 100 in our 2026 U.S. Migraine Risk Index, where #1 is the most challenging city for weather-driven migraine.
Can Philadelphia weather trigger migraines?
Yes. Philadelphia 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 coastal storm systems, rapid temperature changes during frontal passages, high humidity in summer heat waves.
What time of year are migraines worst in Philadelphia?
In Philadelphia the most barometrically volatile stretch of the year falls in November 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 Philadelphia?
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 Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia. The MigrAid app learns yours. It saves the barometric pressure, humidity and temperature with every migraine you log, shows whether Philadelphia's swings really line up with your attacks, and alerts you when conditions match your own trigger history.