Today's barometric pressure in Tacoma, 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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Tacoma sits on Commencement Bay at the southern end of Puget Sound, with Mount Rainier dominating the skyline to the southeast. Pressure averages 1007 hPa, and November ranks among its most volatile months, earlier than most of the country.
Worst season for migraines: December, February and November. Pacific Northwest storm season begins in autumn rather than midwinter, which is why November already ranks near the top here. From then through February a steady procession of systems crosses the region, each holding pressure depressed for a day or more.
Common triggers in Tacoma: Puget Sound convergence zone banding, extended low pressure through the wet season, autumn onset of the Pacific storm track. The Puget Sound convergence zone forms when air splitting around the Olympic Mountains rejoins east of them, producing a band of enhanced precipitation that sets up in a predictable place. Tacoma sits near its southern edge, so it catches the zone on some flow patterns and misses it on others. Winter here means extended periods of low pressure rather than sharp individual events.
Typical pressure: Tacoma averages 1007 hPa at rest, measured at the city's own elevation rather than corrected to sea level, and storm systems can push readings down to 989 hPa. Swings of 6-12 hPa over 24 hours are common during active weather and fall within the range most associated with pressure-triggered migraines.
2026 index: Tacoma is not one of the 100 metros ranked in our 2026 U.S. Migraine Risk Index, which shows how they compare.
Can Tacoma weather trigger migraines?
Yes. Tacoma experiences 6-12 hPa barometric pressure swings, and research shows pressure drops are one of the most common migraine triggers. The city's specific patterns include Puget Sound convergence zone banding, extended low pressure through the wet season, autumn onset of the Pacific storm track.
What time of year are migraines worst in Tacoma?
In Tacoma the most barometrically volatile stretch of the year falls in December, February and November. 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 Tacoma?
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 Tacoma 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 Tacoma. The MigrAid app learns yours. It saves the barometric pressure, humidity and temperature with every migraine you log, shows whether Tacoma's swings really line up with your attacks, and alerts you when conditions match your own trigger history.