Do you or someone you know feel that the weather affects your body? Do you get a bad headache or joint pain right before it rains? Many people living with multiple sclerosis (MS) report similar experiences.

As one MyMSTeam member said, “Yesterday, my MS seemed to show its ugly head more. We had a storm system coming in, and it snowed all day yesterday until about 6 p.m. I woke up feeling a ton better today, and the sun is shining and beautiful out. Does anyone else notice things start acting up when the barometric pressure changes? Just like horses in a field, I can tell when a system is coming in by my symptoms acting up.”

One member responded, “Barometric pressure changes often bring on migraines for me.” Another said, “I thought I was the only one!”

Some people may ignore stories about symptoms getting worse during certain times, but science shows there’s more to it. Changes in weather conditions and air pressure can actually affect how people with MS feel, and research is starting to explain why.

What’s the Difference Between Barometric Pressure and Weather?

“Barometric pressure” is another term for atmospheric pressure or air pressure. This is the pressure from the weight of the air pressing on objects, including your body. It’s measured with a tool called a barometer. Weather refers to the different events that occur in the atmosphere, like rain, snow, wind, tornadoes, and clear skies. Changes in barometric pressure can affect the weather.

Many people with MS feel worse when the weather changes — researchers are still uncovering why.

High air pressure systems tend to cause air to flow down to the ground. As the air gets closer to the surface of the earth, it spreads out and prevents clouds from forming. So, when air pressure is high, the weather is often mild, with clear, blue skies.

When barometric pressure drops, air is pulled together and rises. As the air rises, it cools down. This makes the water vapor in the air turn into tiny water droplets that form clouds. These droplets can fall to the ground as rain, snow, or other types of precipitation. Low barometric pressure often means rainy or snowy weather.

Does Barometric Pressure Affect MS?

While many people living with MS report feeling worse during fluctuations in the weather, there isn’t yet enough scientific proof to connect MS and weather changes. Researchers are still trying to figure out if and how fluctuations in atmospheric pressure affect MS symptoms.

If you experience flare-ups, extreme fatigue, or migraine when a storm or cold front comes in, or if you notice other weather-related changes in your MS symptoms, schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider. They can help you figure out what aggravates your MS symptoms and make suggestions to help you feel better.

Why Might Changes in Barometric Pressure Affect MS?

Although scientists are still debating how barometric pressure affects MS symptoms, one idea relates to changes in the brain. Evidence suggests that barometric changes can temporarily cause brain areas to change in size in healthy people.

Researchers think that changes in air pressure may affect how blood vessels in the brain open and close. This could raise or lower blood pressure in the brain and cause swelling, which may affect how the brain works. However, more research is needed to confirm this.

Migraine headaches caused by barometric pressure changes may also happen because of pressure changes in the sinuses. Sinuses are air-filled spaces in the head that usually equalize with the surrounding air pressure. But when you’re congested, they can’t do this properly. The pressure difference may help explain why migraine happens — and why decongestants help some people feel better.

What Other Conditions Are Affected by Barometric Pressure?

Low barometric pressure is also associated with increased symptoms in people living with several long-term conditions, such as systemic lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis — autoimmune diseases where the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own healthy tissues. It can also affect fibromyalgia, which involves how the nervous system processes pain.

Can MS Be Affected by Weather?

Many MS symptoms can be triggered or made worse by weather changes. Hot and cold weather are both associated with triggering or intensifying different sets of symptoms in people living with MS. The relationship between storms, rain, and MS symptoms is complex. Still, these weather patterns are indirectly associated with MS symptoms.

Sensitivity to heat is one of the most common signs of MS. Many people with MS notice that their symptoms get worse in hot or humid weather. One common symptom that may show up or get worse is double vision. This can happen because heat affects how nerves work in the brain and eyes, making it harder for them to send clear signals.

In the past, doctors sometimes diagnosed MS by asking people to take a long, hot bath. If the bath triggered a flare-up or made their symptoms worse, the doctor would strongly consider an MS diagnosis. This test isn’t used anymore.

Cold sensitivity is also associated with MS. Many people with MS find that cold weather exacerbates their spasticity. In addition, cold temperatures can affect the blood vessels. One example is Raynaud’s disease, where reduced blood flow in the feet and toes can cause pain and lead to color changes, such as turning blue or purple.

Why Do Temperature Changes Affect Multiple Sclerosis?

MS damages myelin — the coating around nerve cells — especially in the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord). Normally, myelin helps signals travel quickly and smoothly along nerves. But when MS creates lesions on the nerves, it leaves them more sensitive to changes in temperature. Increased body temperature during hot weather can affect how these nerves work, temporarily worsening symptoms.

In cold weather, blood vessels near the skin shrink to keep heat in. In people with MS, these blood vessels may overreact to the cold and tighten too much.

How Do Seasons Affect Multiple Sclerosis?

Seasonal weather patterns, like getting less sunlight in the winter, can lead to lower vitamin D levels. Not having enough vitamin D has been linked to more frequent MS symptom relapses, so many people notice their symptoms get worse in the winter. MS is also more common in countries farther from the equator, where low vitamin D levels are more likely.

Sensitivity to heat is one of the most common signs of MS.

Low vitamin D levels during certain seasons can also affect mental health. This is linked to seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a type of depression that happens during the winter. Depression can also be a symptom of MS, and it may seem to get worse with changes in the weather or seasons.

How Can I Manage MS Symptoms Related to Weather?

You can’t change the weather, but you can take steps to manage your weather-related symptoms. If the outside temperature is too hot, it’s better to stay inside with the air conditioning on if possible. When temperatures are cold, bundle up and keep your fingers and toes warm.

If the weather forecast suggests a low-pressure system is coming, you can plan around your fatigue. If you experience migraine with air pressure changes, decongestants may be effective. In some cases, surgery may be an option to help clear the sinuses.

Finally, many people find that vitamin D helps their symptoms, and evidence suggests that vitamin D supplementation may reduce MS relapse rates. Ask your primary care doctor and neurologist before making any changes to your medications or trying over-the-counter supplements. Your body can also make vitamin D from sunlight, but be careful not to get too hot.

It can be tough to have your symptoms go up and down according to the weather. But you are not alone. Your loved ones and fellow MyMSTeam members can offer support, and your healthcare provider and care team can help manage your symptoms.

Talk With Others Who Understand

On MyMSTeam, the social network for people with multiple sclerosis and their loved ones, members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories with others who understand life with multiple sclerosis.

Do changes in barometric pressure or weather affect your multiple sclerosis symptoms? Share your experience with MS and weather changes in the comments below, or start a conversation by posting on your Activities page.