48-hour migraine risk based on barometric pressure, humidity, and temperature changes in Portland.
Portland faces Casco Bay on the Gulf of Maine, where sea surface temperatures and storm tracks combine to produce the widest pressure swings in this dataset at up to 17 hPa. Storm lows near 990 hPa arrive several times each winter.
Worst season for migraines: February, December and January. Storms crossing the Gulf of Maine draw energy from one of the fastest-warming bodies of water on the planet. Nor'easters frequently reach peak intensity right offshore, putting the city under the steepest part of the pressure gradient.
Common triggers in Portland: rapidly intensifying offshore storms, Gulf of Maine moisture and energy supply, prolonged low pressure through multi-day systems. Casco Bay's many islands and inlets create local wind and temperature variation across short distances. More significantly, the city sits at the latitude where winter storms most often undergo rapid intensification, a process meteorologists call bombogenesis, defined by a pressure drop of 24 hPa in 24 hours. Portland experiences these more often than almost any US city.
Typical pressure: Portland averages 1012 hPa at rest, measured at the city's own elevation rather than corrected to sea level, and storm systems can push readings down to 990 hPa. Swings of 7-17 hPa over 24 hours are common during active weather and fall within the range most associated with pressure-triggered migraines.
Can Portland weather trigger migraines?
Yes. Portland experiences 7-17 hPa barometric pressure swings, and research shows pressure drops are one of the most common migraine triggers. The city's specific patterns include rapidly intensifying offshore storms, Gulf of Maine moisture and energy supply, prolonged low pressure through multi-day systems.
What time of year are migraines worst in Portland?
In Portland the most barometrically volatile stretch of the year falls in February, December and January. That is when weather is most likely to play a part, if weather is a trigger for you at all.
How do I track migraine triggers in Portland?
Use MigrAid to log your attacks with one tap. The app automatically records barometric pressure, temperature, and humidity at the time of each migraine, then finds patterns between your attacks and Portland's weather conditions over time.
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