You're not imagining, says this headache expert—the skies and temperature play major roles. Follow his tips for reducing the pain.
A Cleveland Clinic Doctor Just Confirmed the Weather Triggers Migraine—and How To Head It Off
Published on Jul. 02, 2025
When the pain in your head escalates from a dull discomfort to throbbing pain—especially when accompanied by nausea, tiredness, or sensitivity to lights or smells—there’s a good chance you’re experiencing a migraine, which the Cleveland Clinic says differs from a headache by directly involving the brain instead of just general pain in the head or face.
More than 37 million Americans experience migraines—and more than 90% report their migraines affect their ability to engage with school, work, or social engagements, according to the American Migraine Foundation. There are also individuals with chronic migraines, meaning they experience these types of headaches at least 15 days per month.
Migraine triggers can be unique to each person, but the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke says a few common triggers include:
- Hormonal changes
- Stress on the body or mental health
- Motion sickness
- Low blood sugar
- Bright or flashing lights
- Strong smells
Additionally, weather can play a large role. The Mayo Clinic reports some people experience brain chemical imbalances brought on by weather changes, with weather-related triggers ranging from sun glare to high humidity or dry air.
Another type of weather event—quick changes in barometric pressure—can also set off migraines, says Emad Estemalik, MD, a headache and migraine specialist with the Cleveland Clinic. “Any time we go from temperatures like in the 50s or 60s, all the way to the 80s within a 48-, 72-hour window or vice versa, that in itself can induce migraines,” he says.
Even weather disturbances as seemingly normal as sudden rain or storms can bring on migraines, says Dr. Estemalik.
For migraine sufferers, Dr. Estemalik offers a few tips to:
- Stay hydrated, especially during the summer months—dehydration can trigger migraines
- Remember that a one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t apply to migraine prevention
- Try to identify potential triggers and explore lifestyle changes, such as getting more sleep or changing up your diet (some summer produce items are among the foods most likely to trigger migraine, like watermelon and citrus)
- If over-the-counter medications aren’t offering relief, a prescription or other treatment plan for migraine pain may be best
“We’ve seen a revolution in treatment since 2018 in terms of what’s available for this patient population,” Dr. Estemalik says. So if the summer heat seems to be getting to your head, reach out to a healthcare professional to discuss potential next steps for either reducing or easing migraine occurrences.
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