Zutsu NoteZutsu Note

Barometric pressure today across New Zealand

Mild pressure changes in 7 regions

Updated 12 Nov, 11:25 pm NZDT · four times a day

Hirotaka Maekawa, headache specialistReviewed byHirotaka Maekawa, MD (headache specialist in Japan)

See pressure changes for tomorrow and beyond in Zutsu Note

Free hourly pressure forecasts for where you are, up to a week ahead.

Zutsu Note is a free headache diary app from Japan ("zutsu" is Japanese for "headache").

Pressure outlook by region

CautionMildStableColors show each region's largest city.

Mild: Gisborne, Hawke's Bay, Wellington, Tasman, Nelson, Marlborough, Canterbury. The rating comes from the day's lowest pressure and the biggest change within 6 hours. It describes the weather, not your headache.

Choose your region

Hourly pressure, weather, temperature, and humidity for each region's largest city.

North Island

NorthlandAucklandWaikatoBay of PlentyGisborneHawke's BayTaranakiManawatū-WhanganuiWellington

South Island

TasmanNelsonMarlboroughWest CoastCanterburyOtagoSouthland
Hirotaka Maekawa, headache specialist

Reviewed byHirotaka Maekawa, MD

Neurologist and headache specialist in Japan

Trained in the Department of Neurology at The University of Tokyo before focusing fully on headache care. Visiting Lecturer at Showa Medical University. Developer of the headache diary app Zutsu Note.

Zutsu Note

Headache diary app from Japan. "Zutsu" is Japanese for "headache."

  • Pressure forecast for where you are
  • Log your headaches, too
  • Free to use

Frequently asked questions

Can a drop in barometric pressure cause a headache?

In some people, yes. In studies, about half of people with migraine say weather is one of their triggers. The exact mechanism isn't known. One leading idea is that the inner ear senses the change in pressure and the autonomic nervous system responds. Sensitivity varies a lot: the same weather change can bring on a headache in one person and not in another.

What barometric pressure is considered low?

Standard sea-level pressure is about 1013 hPa. On this page, a day is rated Mild when its lowest pressure is below 1007 hPa and Caution when it is below 1003 hPa. A change of 3 hPa or more within 6 hours, falling or rising, is rated Mild, and 6 hPa or more is rated Caution. Many people react more to how much the pressure changes than to the level itself.

Is my headache today caused by the weather?

It may or may not be. Some people get headaches on days when pressure drops, but poor sleep, stress, skipped meals, your period, and other things can also bring on a headache. If a headache is sudden and severe, or comes with weakness, numbness, trouble speaking, fever, or confusion, call 111. If your headaches are new, getting worse, or different from usual, talk to your doctor or GP.

How can I tell if pressure changes trigger my headaches?

Keep a headache diary for 1 to 2 months and compare it with the pressure on each day. Zutsu Note, a free headache diary app built by a headache specialist, puts your logs and the pressure on the same chart automatically and shows the hourly pressure forecast for where you are, up to a week ahead. If your headaches keep coming back, get worse, or feel different from usual, talk to your doctor or GP.

How to read this page

  • Barometric pressure is shown in hPa (hectopascals), the unit New Zealand's weather reports use. Standard sea-level pressure is about 1013 hPa.
  • "Caution" means the pressure is low or changes a lot within 6 hours. "Mild" means a smaller drop or rise. "Stable" means little change.
  • Some people notice headaches when the weather changes, but the link differs from person to person. Keeping a headache diary next to the pressure is the surest way to see your own pattern.
  • This page is general weather information. It does not predict your headaches or replace advice from your doctor.

Forecast data: Open-Meteo. Map: Natural Earth boundaries (public domain).