Today's barometric pressure in Riverside, 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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Riverside sits at 252 metres in the Inland Empire, far enough from the coast that the ocean's moderating effect fades. Baseline pressure runs near 985 hPa, and the valley's bowl shape traps both heat and air pollution against the surrounding ranges.
Worst season for migraines: January through March. Storms crossing the coastal ranges arrive weakened but still register on the barometer. Autumn adds a different stress, when Santa Ana events reverse the usual onshore flow and push hot, dry air down through the passes.
Common triggers in Riverside: Santa Ana downslope events through Cajon Pass, trapped valley inversions holding particulates, extreme summer heat above 40C. Air funnelling through the Banning Pass and Cajon Pass accelerates as it descends, warming and drying on the way. Those downslope events combine falling humidity with rising temperature and a distinct pressure signature, and Inland Empire residents frequently report attacks during them even though rainfall is nil.
Typical pressure: Riverside 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 978 hPa. Swings of 4-6 hPa over 24 hours are common during active weather and fall within the range most associated with pressure-triggered migraines.
2026 index: Riverside is not one of the 100 metros ranked in our 2026 U.S. Migraine Risk Index, which shows how they compare.
Can Riverside weather trigger migraines?
Yes. Riverside experiences 4-6 hPa barometric pressure swings, and research shows pressure drops are one of the most common migraine triggers. The city's specific patterns include Santa Ana downslope events through Cajon Pass, trapped valley inversions holding particulates, extreme summer heat above 40C.
What time of year are migraines worst in Riverside?
In Riverside the most barometrically volatile stretch of the year falls in January through March. 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 Riverside?
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 Riverside 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 Riverside. The MigrAid app learns yours. It saves the barometric pressure, humidity and temperature with every migraine you log, shows whether Riverside's swings really line up with your attacks, and alerts you when conditions match your own trigger history.