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Read About the Topic:

Can Weather Really Cause a Headache?

  • Victoria Wermers, RN,MSN,FNP, PMHNP
  • Oct 1, 2024
  • 2 min read

Updated: Jul 15

THE QUESTION: CAN WWEATHER CHANGES REALLY CAUSE A HEADACHE?

THE ANSWER: YES, WEATHER CHANGES (BAROMETRIC PRESSURE CHANGES) CAN AND DO CAUSE HEADACHES


Just before or during a storm, air pressure drops, and humidity increases, causing low barometric pressure. Low barometric pressure, in turn, causes vasodilation, which puts pressure on the cranial nerves, causing headaches in some people. It has also been suggested that low barometric pressure lowers serotonin levels in the brain, which can also trigger headaches.


​A person may experience a weather-related headache the day before, the day of, or the day after the weather changes. These headaches can last from four hours to several days. Very high temperatures also cause headaches in some people.

Before the Storm
Before the Storm

Can Weather Really Cause a Headache?

Exploring Weather-Related Headache Symptoms

  • Dull, sometimes throbbing pain that often gets worse as the weather changes.

  • A feeling of pressure or tightness around the temples or behind the eyes, or sinuses.

  • Nausea.

  • Difficulty concentrating 

  • Postnasal drip (mucus draining into the throat from the sinus) 

  • Photophobia (sensitivity to light) or phonophobia (sensitivity to sound)


Treating Symptoms of Weather-Related Headaches

So, You have answered the question "Can Weather Really Cause a Headache?" So, now what can you do?

General Recommendations

  • Try to stay indoors with a fan, air conditioner, or dehumidifier (the latter helps to  stabilize humidity)

  • Rest in a dark, quiet room.

  • Maintain good hydration

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Over-the-Counter Treatment


  • The mainstays of over-the-counter medications for headaches, in general, are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen (common: Motrin, Advil) and naproxen (common: Aleve, Naprosyn) and acetaminophen (common: Tylenol) or a combination of acetaminophen/caffeine and aspirin (Goody Powders, Excedrin Headache). Take as directed.


  • Decongestants (common: Sudafed oral, Afrin nasal spray – latter for 2-3 days only). Both of these have potential side effects.

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For More Approaches to Headaches See This Link

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