Today's barometric pressure in Raleigh, 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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Raleigh's Research Triangle location in the NC Piedmont puts it in the path of both coastal storms and systems crossing the Appalachians. The city's transitional climate means frequent weather changes, especially during the active spring tornado season.
Worst season for migraines: December through April. Raleigh's position in the central Carolina Piedmont exposes it to both inland severe weather and moisture from Atlantic systems. Cold air damming events east of the Blue Ridge create prolonged overcast, raw conditions that can persist for days during winter.
Common triggers in Raleigh: cold air damming against the Blue Ridge, tropical remnant rainfall events, rapid temperature fluctuations during spring frontal passages. Raleigh sits at 400 feet elevation in the rolling Piedmont between the Appalachian foothills and the coastal plain. The Falls Lake reservoir to the north and Jordan Lake to the southwest add localized moisture to the atmosphere. The Research Triangle's geographic position means it catches weather from the mountains, the coast, and the Gulf, giving it more weather variability than its mild reputation suggests.
Typical pressure: Raleigh averages 1006 hPa at rest, measured at the city's own elevation rather than corrected to sea level, and storm systems can push readings down to 992 hPa. Swings of 6-14 hPa over 24 hours are common during active weather and fall within the range most associated with pressure-triggered migraines.
2026 index: Raleigh ranks #59 of 100 in our 2026 U.S. Migraine Risk Index, where #1 is the most challenging city for weather-driven migraine.
Can Raleigh weather trigger migraines?
Yes. Raleigh experiences 6-14 hPa barometric pressure swings, and research shows pressure drops are one of the most common migraine triggers. The city's specific patterns include cold air damming against the Blue Ridge, tropical remnant rainfall events, rapid temperature fluctuations during spring frontal passages.
What time of year are migraines worst in Raleigh?
In Raleigh the most barometrically volatile stretch of the year falls in December 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 Raleigh?
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 Raleigh 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 Raleigh. The MigrAid app learns yours. It saves the barometric pressure, humidity and temperature with every migraine you log, shows whether Raleigh's swings really line up with your attacks, and alerts you when conditions match your own trigger history.