A Sudden Increase in Humidity as a Migraine Trigger

By Kerrie Smyres

1 min read

Last updated: August 2021

Although a sudden increase in humidity is a known migraine trigger in the medical literature, it's not one that I've heard anyone who has migraine identify as a trigger. In this video, I share how I sleuthed this trigger for myself.

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Tara O'Connor Moderator
Hi <inline-mention username="Kerrie Smyres" user-id="3788609"/> thank you for sharing this. I do find myself having more migraines in the summer time. Where I live it is always humid here in the summer. Hopefully the magnesium helps you! Warmly, Tara (team member)
lasm62
Hello all - Yes, any change (increase or decrease) in humidity is a trigger for me. I can even go into a building from outside or vice versa and begin getting a Migraine attack. Barometric pressure changes are a huge trigger for me - unfortunately I can sense a weather front coming and going in my area several days before and after the weather changes. My family says I'm "better than the Weatherman" with forecasting. I've lived in southern IL and now southeast MO most of my life so the humidity and temperature changes have always been a factor with my Migraine disease. 
1. lasm62
 <inline-mention username="Cheryl Picerno" user-id="3673232"/> I'll speak to my med team about this. Thanks ! 
2. Cheryl Picerno Moderator
 @lasm62 even if it helps a little something is better than nothing right. Warmly, Cheryl <a href='http://migraine.com' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer ugc'>migraine.com</a> team
rachelc1809
I am the same way. Before it rains, gets too hot, gets too cold... I am a mess. I hate it. My husband manages to see my pain. And I wish I didn’t go thru them so often. 
1. Cheryl Picerno Moderator
 @rachelc1809 the extremes in weather are a real challenge for many people who suffer from migraine disease. I wish you didn't have to suffer with them for too long. Having a supportive spouse is a definite plus when it comes to migraine disease. It's always nice to have someone to help you through an attack and to have your best interests in mind supporting you. Warmly, Cheryl <a href='http://migraine.com' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer ugc'>migraine.com</a> team
katetyndall
I live in DC, where it's miserably humid 6 months out of the year, and my migraines are so much worse then. The only solution I have is to stay inside in the A/C. Since I have to live in the world, that's a non-starter. I rely much more on my gammaCore device during those months, using it multiple times a day, and have to remember to stay hydrated. Man, I hate humidity, but super low humidity doesn't work for me either. The weather that's best for me is clear and cold. 
1. Cheryl Picerno Moderator
 @katetyndall I'm sorry to hear that you suffer so much when the humidity is high. I'm in Florida so I can definitely relate. It's nice to know you are able to find relief with your GammaCore device. My husband suffers from chronic migraine is also sensitive to high humidity and barometric pressure changes. He uses Nerivio and takes a drug called Diamox. His neurologist suggested it and it seems to help him out. It may be worth asking your doctor about. Warmly, Cheryl <a href='http://migraine.com' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer ugc'>migraine.com</a> team
2. Cheryl Picerno Moderator
 @katetyndall I'm here in Florida so I totally get the humidity thing. My husband has problems with humidity. He too enjoys and feels best when the humidity is a bit lower and the temperature is cool to mild. Staying hydrated can be hard sometimes but he does his best as I'm sure you do too. I hope the summer months are kind to you. Warmly, Cheryl <a href='http://migraine.com' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer ugc'>migraine.com</a> team
katetyndall
Thanks, Cheryl. I will certainly check out Diamox. Cheers, Kate
1. Cheryl Picerno Moderator
 @katetyndall No problem! Just passing on a possibility lol. Warmly, Cheryl <a href='http://migraine.com' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer ugc'>migraine.com</a> team
jpronovost
Barometric pressure is a huge trigger for me. My worst time of the year is the winter.
1. Cheryl Picerno Moderator
 @jpronovost barometric pressure changes are a real problem for many migraine sufferers that's for sure. My husband's neurologist had him try a drug called Diamox that has given him some relief. I bet you're glad that the winter season is behind you! I'll be praying that your migraine days a few! Warmly, Cheryl <a href='http://migraine.com' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer ugc'>migraine.com</a> team
jpronovost

1. Melissa Arnold Admin
 <inline-mention username="jpronovost" user-id="3777786"/> Hi there -- it looks like you tried to respond but your post is blank. Feel free to try again or let us know if you need help! -Melissa, <a href='http://migraine.com' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer ugc'>migraine.com</a> team
georgiana
I just nailed this trigger down yesterday! But I think it’s big shifts either way. I grew up in TX where it’s humid all the time, and not summer (I believe you call it “winter”) was my bad season because that’s when we got hit with cold fronts in between going back to warm, moist Gulf air. I spent the last 3 years in SC, and spring is now my new hell. The weather here is volatile. And I tend to leave the windows open at night because it’s cool outside! After waking up with raging headaches all week, I FINALLY noticed the humidity spikes very suddenly (by 40% or more) every morning right before I wake up. With the window open. I slept with the window closed and the AC jacked down last night, and NO MIGRAINE today. I think I’m on to something! 
1. Melissa Arnold Admin
 <inline-mention username="georgiana" user-id="3744578"/> I love it! Congrats to you. It's SO hard to work through the process of trial and error, and I imagine it must be a huge boost to feel like you've made a discovery. Fingers crossed! -Melissa, <a href='http://migraine.com' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer ugc'>migraine.com</a> team
2. Melissa Arnold Admin
 <inline-mention username="georgiana" user-id="3744578"/> I love it! Congrats to you. It's SO hard to work through the process of trial and error, and I imagine it must be a huge boost to feel like you've made a discovery. Fingers crossed! -Melissa, <a href='http://migraine.com' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer ugc'>migraine.com</a> team