Headache forecast: 5 weather factors to watch out for, including temperature swings, humidity levels

Headaches causes: Intense heat can lead to excessive sweating and can result in dehydration, which reduces blood flow to the brain and can trigger a headache (Image: Canva)

Ever find yourself battling a pounding headache during a change in weather? You're not alone. Weather changes can wreak havoc on your well-being, particularly when it comes to headaches. The sudden shifts in temperature, barometric pressure, and humidity can trigger physiological responses in your bodies, leading to discomfort and pain.

Medical experts attribute these headaches to various factors, including changes in blood flow, nerve sensitivity, and the release of certain chemicals in the brain.

Understanding the underlying causes of weather-related headaches can empower you to better cope with and reduce their effects. While we cannot control the weather, Dr Nikhil Bangale, Head of Medical Affairs, Consumer Health Division, Bayer, emphasises the importance of anticipating its impact on our bodies, especially concerning headaches. "Understanding weather factors that trigger headaches and implementing self-care practices to prevent them is essential," he says.

Dr Bangale says the following weather conditions could trigger headaches, and stresses the need to implement self-care practices to prevent them:

Rise in humidity: When humidity rises, air pressure falls, affecting the pressure in your sinus cavities and nose, thus triggering a headache. Research indicates that even a modest increase in relative humidity can raise the likelihood of experiencing a headache or migraine by 28 percent. It is essential to stay hydrated to maintain fluid balance, particularly in hot and humid weather. Ensure proper ventilation in your home and office, and avoid crowded areas.

Intense heat: It leads to excessive sweating and can result in dehydration, which reduces blood flow to the brain and can trigger a headache. Prolonged exposure to heat can also lead to heat exhaustion, with headache being an early symptom of this dangerous condition. During summer, ensure that you drink plenty of fluids, limit outdoor exposure, and cover your head when going outside.

Cold, dry weather: Low temperatures can constrict blood vessels in the brain, potentially causing headaches. Additionally, cold, dry air can dry out the mucus in your nose and sinus cavities, further contributing to headaches. To reduce these effects in cold and dry conditions, dress warmly and ensure adequate hydration by drinking plenty of water

Thunderstorm and gusty winds: During thunderstorms, the risk of headaches increases by 6 percent for every five-millimeter change in air pressure. Wind gusts carry allergens and irritants that can trigger headaches. The air pressure fluctuations during a storm can disrupt your sinuses and inner ear, resulting in pounding pain. To manage these effects, stay indoors, close windows to keep allergens out, use saline nasal sprays to clear sinuses, or take an over-the-counter pain-relieving tablet. Consider using pressure-filtering earplugs to help deal with pressure variations.

Sudden weather changes: Sudden changes from sunny skies to storms or from warm temperatures to sudden cold can trigger headaches. These rapid transitions require swift adjustments from your body and can disrupt blood flow to your brain, causing blood vessels in your head to expand or contract suddenly, resulting in headaches. Keep headache medications readily available to aid you during these sudden weather changes.

Managing weather related headaches:

Weather-related headaches can be effectively managed through self-care practices, says Dr Bangale. “Adjusting gradually to temperature changes and minimising exposure to fluctuating environments, particularly air-conditioned spaces, can help reduce headache triggers,” he adds.

Talking of effective strategies to avoid these weather-induced headaches, Dr Bangale says, “Use air-conditioners moderately and set them to an optimal temperature. Incorporating meditation into your routine can also help reduce headache frequency. If headaches persist or worsen, consult your doctor for personalised advice and treatment options.”