For many people, the transition from one season to the next brings more than cooler mornings or longer days. It also brings headaches. If you notice that your head starts to ache when the weather shifts, you are not imagining things. Seasonal changes can trigger headaches and migraines in a variety of ways, and understanding those triggers can help you better manage symptoms.
Why the Weather Plays a Role
One of the biggest factors is barometric pressure. When the air pressure outside changes quickly, such as before a storm or when temperatures swing dramatically, it can affect blood vessels in the brain and set off pain. Some people are especially sensitive to these shifts, making fall and spring particularly challenging times of year.
Allergies are another common culprit. Spring pollen, autumn ragweed, and even mold from damp leaves can cause congestion and inflammation in the sinuses, leading to pressure headaches. For those with both allergies and migraines, the overlap can make symptoms worse.
Seasonal changes also affect light and routine. Shorter days in the fall and winter mean less natural sunlight, which can alter levels of serotonin and melatonin in the brain. These changes can influence sleep and mood, both of which play a role in headaches. On top of that, shifting schedules such as back-to-school in the fall or increased holiday activities, often lead to disrupted sleep, skipped meals, and added stress. Each of these is a known trigger for headaches.
What You Can Do to Prevent Headaches
While you cannot control the weather or the amount of daylight in a season, you can take steps to limit how much those changes impact you. One of the most effective strategies is to track your headaches. Writing down when they occur, how long they last, and what was happening before they started can reveal patterns. For example, you may notice that headaches consistently follow days when storms are in the forecast, or when your allergies flare up.
Hydration also matters. People often drink less water in cooler weather, yet dehydration remains one of the most common and preventable causes of headaches. Keeping a water bottle nearby and sipping regularly throughout the day can make a noticeable difference.
Consistency is another powerful tool. Try to maintain steady sleep, meal, and exercise routines, even when daylight hours or schedules change. Going to bed and waking up at the same times each day helps regulate your body’s natural rhythms, which can reduce the frequency of headaches.
If allergies are a trigger, managing them can provide relief. Over-the-counter medications, nasal sprays, or allergy treatments prescribed by your provider can reduce inflammation and prevent headaches linked to sinus pressure. For those with migraines, discussing preventive treatment with a health care professional may help, especially if you know certain times of year are more difficult.
When to See a Health Care Provider
Most importantly, do not ignore headaches that are severe, frequent, or accompanied by other symptoms such as vision changes, nausea, or weakness. These may signal something more serious and should be evaluated by a medical professional.
The change of seasons can be beautiful, but for many, it also comes with challenges. Paying attention to your body, staying consistent with healthy routines, and seeking medical support when needed can help you keep headaches from interfering with your enjoyment of each season.
by
Suhag R. Patel, PA-C
UPMC Neurological Institute
Suhag Patel, PA-C, sees patients at UPMC Neurological Institute, 740 High St., 3rd Floor, Williamsport, UPMC Outpatient Center, 1 Outlet Ln., Lock Haven, and UPMC Outpatient Center, 2330 Saint Mary St. West, Suite 1, Lewisburg. To make an appointment with Suhag at one of these locations, call 570-321-2820. For more information about UPMC Neurological Institute services in northcentral Pa., visit UPMC.com/NeuroNCPA.
