02/18/2026
Winter has returned in full force here in Calgary this week. With drastic temperature swings and extreme cold, many people who experience migraines are feeling the impact. Cold weather can be a powerful trigger, and here are a few reasons why it affects migraines. 🧠❄️🥶
- One of the most significant cold‑weather migraine triggers is a shift in barometric pressure. When a cold front moves in and the pressure drops, it can create an imbalance between the outside atmosphere and the air‑filled cavities in the head. This change may stimulate pain‑sensitive nerves and set off a migraine.
- Cold temperatures cause blood vessels to constrict, which can contribute to tension headaches and intensify migraine symptoms. With reduced blood flow to the brain, this can trigger pain. This is called vasoconstriction.
- Winter often brings dry air, both outdoors and indoors due to the change in heating systems. Low humidity can lead to dehydration, which is a known headache trigger. Dry air can also irritate the nasal passages, contributing to sinus headaches.
