Today's barometric pressure in Wilmington, 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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Wilmington's Cape Fear coast position makes it one of the most hurricane-exposed cities on the East Coast. Even outside hurricane season, Atlantic moisture and coastal fronts create regular barometric fluctuations that affect migraine sufferers.
Worst season for migraines: December through March. Wilmington's Cape Fear coast is one of the most hurricane-prone stretches of the US Atlantic seaboard, so a tropical system can bring a severe single drop and flooding. Most pressure drops, though, come with winter fronts from December through March, peaking in February, when 52% of days see a 5 hPa drop. Summer is calm for pressure, at 13% of days or fewer in each summer month, despite the sea-breeze thunderstorms.
Common triggers in Wilmington: Atlantic hurricane and tropical storm pressure drops, Cape Fear coast sea-breeze thunderstorms, persistent coastal humidity above 80%. Wilmington sits near sea level on the Cape Fear River, 5 miles from the Atlantic coast and surrounded by tidal marshes, barrier islands, and the Intracoastal Waterway. The Cape Fear region's geography projects into the Atlantic, intercepting tropical systems that might pass offshore of more northerly cities. The warm Gulf Stream runs unusually close to shore here, fueling storm intensity and maintaining high water temperatures that keep humidity elevated.
Typical pressure: Wilmington averages 1016 hPa at rest, measured at the city's own elevation rather than corrected to sea level, and storm systems can push readings down to 985 hPa. Swings of 5-13 hPa over 24 hours are common during active weather and fall within the range most associated with pressure-triggered migraines.
2026 index: Wilmington ranks #71 of 100 in our 2026 U.S. Migraine Risk Index, where #1 is the most challenging city for weather-driven migraine.
Can Wilmington weather trigger migraines?
Yes. Wilmington experiences 5-13 hPa barometric pressure swings, and research shows pressure drops are one of the most common migraine triggers. The city's specific patterns include Atlantic hurricane and tropical storm pressure drops, Cape Fear coast sea-breeze thunderstorms, persistent coastal humidity above 80%.
What time of year are migraines worst in Wilmington?
In Wilmington the most barometrically volatile stretch of the year falls in December 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 Wilmington?
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 Wilmington 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 Wilmington. The MigrAid app learns yours. It saves the barometric pressure, humidity and temperature with every migraine you log, shows whether Wilmington's swings really line up with your attacks, and alerts you when conditions match your own trigger history.