Today's barometric pressure in Pittsburgh, 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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Pittsburgh's three-river valley geography traps weather patterns and creates pressure inversions. The city consistently ranks among the cloudiest in America, and its Appalachian location means frontal systems slow down as they cross the mountains.
Worst season for migraines: November through April. Pittsburgh's three-river valley traps moisture and funnels weather systems through narrow corridors. Ohio Valley lows intensify as they cross the Allegheny Plateau, and the city's valley geography amplifies pressure changes compared to surrounding ridgetops.
Common triggers in Pittsburgh: Ohio Valley low-pressure intensification, river valley fog and temperature inversions, persistent winter cloud cover exceeding 60% of days. Pittsburgh sits at the confluence of the Allegheny, Monongahela, and Ohio rivers, surrounded by hills reaching 400 feet above the river level. This valley geography traps cold air, moisture, and pollutants, creating frequent temperature inversions. The city's 1,150-foot elevation on the Allegheny Plateau also means slightly reduced baseline pressure, and the persistent cloud cover rivals Cleveland's for reducing winter sunlight.
Typical pressure: Pittsburgh averages 989 hPa at rest, measured at the city's own elevation rather than corrected to sea level, and storm systems can push readings down to 972 hPa. Swings of 6-15 hPa over 24 hours are common during active weather and fall within the range most associated with pressure-triggered migraines.
2026 index: Pittsburgh ranks #38 of 100 in our 2026 U.S. Migraine Risk Index, where #1 is the most challenging city for weather-driven migraine.
Can Pittsburgh weather trigger migraines?
Yes. Pittsburgh experiences 6-15 hPa barometric pressure swings, and research shows pressure drops are one of the most common migraine triggers. The city's specific patterns include Ohio Valley low-pressure intensification, river valley fog and temperature inversions, persistent winter cloud cover exceeding 60% of days.
What time of year are migraines worst in Pittsburgh?
In Pittsburgh 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 Pittsburgh?
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 Pittsburgh 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 Pittsburgh. The MigrAid app learns yours. It saves the barometric pressure, humidity and temperature with every migraine you log, shows whether Pittsburgh's swings really line up with your attacks, and alerts you when conditions match your own trigger history.