Today's barometric pressure in Washington, 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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The nation's capital sits in a transitional climate zone where northern cold fronts and southern moisture systems compete year-round. Pressure drops are most frequent from November through April, and the Potomac basin adds heavy humidity in summer.
Worst season for migraines: November through April. Washington DC sits in the primary East Coast storm track and experiences both coastal and continental weather systems. Nor'easters and winter fronts drive the pressure drops from November through April, peaking in February, when 61% of days see a 5 hPa drop. Summer is the calm stretch for pressure, at 29% of days or fewer in each summer month, even when the Potomac basin traps heat and humidity.
Common triggers in Washington: coastal low-pressure systems, summer heat dome humidity events, rapid autumn and spring frontal passages. DC's mid-Atlantic location means it catches weather from multiple directions. The capital region also experiences a significant urban heat island effect that can amplify temperature-related triggers, and the Chesapeake Bay influence adds maritime moisture that compounds pressure-related migraine risk.
Typical pressure: Washington averages 1015 hPa at rest, measured at the city's own elevation rather than corrected to sea level, and storm systems can push readings down to 997 hPa. Swings of 7-16 hPa over 24 hours are common during active weather and fall within the range most associated with pressure-triggered migraines.
2026 index: Washington ranks #41 of 100 in our 2026 U.S. Migraine Risk Index, where #1 is the most challenging city for weather-driven migraine.
Can Washington weather trigger migraines?
Yes. Washington experiences 7-16 hPa barometric pressure swings, and research shows pressure drops are one of the most common migraine triggers. The city's specific patterns include coastal low-pressure systems, summer heat dome humidity events, rapid autumn and spring frontal passages.
What time of year are migraines worst in Washington?
In Washington 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 Washington?
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 Washington 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 Washington. The MigrAid app learns yours. It saves the barometric pressure, humidity and temperature with every migraine you log, shows whether Washington's swings really line up with your attacks, and alerts you when conditions match your own trigger history.