Today's barometric pressure in Richmond, 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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Richmond's location between the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Chesapeake Bay creates a corridor for weather systems tracking up the East Coast. The city's four distinct seasons each bring their own pressure patterns, with spring and fall being the most volatile.
Worst season for migraines: November through April. Richmond's James River valley position subjects it to both coastal storms from the east and cold fronts from the west. Those winter and early spring systems drive the pressure drops, peaking in March, when 59% of days see a 5 hPa drop, and cold air trapped against the Blue Ridge can bring ice storms. A hurricane tracking up the coast can bring a big single drop, but summer is usually calm, at 27% of days or fewer in each summer month.
Common triggers in Richmond: coastal storm moisture surges up the James River valley, cold air damming ice storm events, summer heat dome humidity with temperatures above 100 degrees. Richmond occupies the Fall Line where the Piedmont meets the coastal plain along the James River. This geographic transition creates a convergence zone for different air masses, and the river valley channels moisture from the Chesapeake Bay inland. The city's position makes it vulnerable to tropical systems tracking northward along the coast, and cold air damming against the Blue Ridge to the west can lock in freezing rain events for days.
Typical pressure: Richmond averages 1009 hPa at rest, measured at the city's own elevation rather than corrected to sea level, and storm systems can push readings down to 993 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: Richmond ranks #47 of 100 in our 2026 U.S. Migraine Risk Index, where #1 is the most challenging city for weather-driven migraine.
Can Richmond weather trigger migraines?
Yes. Richmond 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 coastal storm moisture surges up the James River valley, cold air damming ice storm events, summer heat dome humidity with temperatures above 100 degrees.
What time of year are migraines worst in Richmond?
In Richmond 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 Richmond?
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 Richmond 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 Richmond. The MigrAid app learns yours. It saves the barometric pressure, humidity and temperature with every migraine you log, shows whether Richmond's swings really line up with your attacks, and alerts you when conditions match your own trigger history.