Understanding Weather Headache: Underlying Causes & 5+ Tips to Avoid

Weather headache is always a big problem for many people, especially in the transition season. Not everyone has a headache, but if you do, you will know how terrible it is. This illness impacts your feelings as well as reduces your working productivity. So why does the weather cause such annoying headaches? How to cope with this illness? Let’s find the answers in this article. 

Headache and weather changes

Weather and Headache Relationship

When it comes to weather headaches, people often think about migraines. According to a 2015 analysis conducted in Taiwan, it is shown that up to half of people experiencing migraine say the weather changes cause their headaches. 

Storms, temperature extremes, and changes in barometric pressure might all conduce to the sickness by altering levels of serotonin and other brain chemicals.

Can the weather give you a headache? Another leading evolutionary theory is that the headache is a protective way of the body against adverse environmental stressors. It means that the pain leads to someone seeking a safer, more hospitable environment. 

Can the weather give you a headache

According to some specialists, this theory gains credence since variations in the weather, particularly extremes of heat or cold, can cause headaches. In fact, some people get headaches because of the following weather conditions: 

• Changes in humidity

• Changes in temperature

• Storms

• Extremely dry conditions

• Dusty environments

Each person has a different response to the weather changes. In the hot temperature, it triggers headaches in some people, while others have a migraine when it is very cold. In addition, certain people are more sensitive to the changes in temperature and humidity.

► Read more: Signs you have seasonal allergies

Why Does the Weather Cause Headache?

There are some explanations for this weather headache. As noted earlier, it can be a self-defense mechanism. The pain headaches before extreme weather leads the person to seek a more hospitable environment.

However, some other weather factors may also trigger your headache. 

Does weather cause headaches?

Humidity

The connection between the humidity and migraines can be another reason.

Different studies showed an increase in emergency department visits for migraines on warm and humid days, and a drop on cold, dry days. During the hot weather, people often suffer migraines due to dehydration. 

However, how you respond to temperature and humidity could relate to how sensitive you are to these factors. In one study, people being temperature sensitive got more headaches in the winter, whilst those who weren’t sensitive suffered more headaches in summer.

The connection between the humidity and migraines can be another reason

Sunlight

Sunlight also causes headaches. It travels through the retina, optic nerve and promotes sensitive nerve cells in the brain. 

Another study is that UV from the sun can widen blood vessels causing a migraine. In fact, there are more migraine sufferers in the summer than winter because the winter sun is weaker. 

Barometric pressure

Barometric pressure is a measurement of pressure in the air and also a factor contributing to the headache. 

Barometric pressure increases along with the air pressure, and versa. When the pressure rises, blood vessels become narrow and when the pressure drops, blood vessels are wider. 

Barometric pressure is a measurement of pressure in the air

A small study from Japan found a drop in barometric pressure makes wider blood vessels in the brain and then releases serotonin. This phenomenon sets off the visual problem (aura). 

As the serotonin levels come to the origin status, the blood vessels swell and trigger a migraine.

How to Cope With Weather Headache?

Checking the weather forecast is the first step to avoiding headaches. If variations in barometric pressure cause your headaches, it's critical to be informed of upcoming weather patterns. 

Keep an eye on any impending storms or other changes that can result in a decrease in barometric pressure by monitoring the barometric pressure levels. 

Download a weather app to check the weather forecast

Are you sensitive to humidity? Living in fresh air is good advice for you to have a healthy status. Therefore, you can purchase a humidifier that helps lower the symptoms.

Last but not least, the best way to prevent this illness is to have a healthy body. To achieve this, you should take care of your body in other ways. Try these weather tips:

• Sleep enough 7 to 8 hours each night

• Drink at least 8 cups of water everyday

• Do exercise regularly

• Eat a balanced diet and avoid skipping meals

• Practice relaxation techniques if you’re experiencing stress

• Wear at least three layers of clothing in the cold weather

Common Symptoms of Weather Headaches

Common symptoms of weather headaches

If you get migraines or headaches brought on by the weather, you may notice the following symptoms:

• Nausea

• Dull discomfort that pulses, throbs, or grows worse with changing weather.

• A tightness or pressure behind the eyes or around the head. 

• Difficulty concentrating

• Sensitivity to sound or light

• Pain in one or both temples

• Numbness in the neck and face

Conclusion

Weather headache is always a big problem for most people. The article provided you information on the reason for this illness as well as suggested some possible ways to deal with it. Read more useful information on goweatherforecast.com.