What Areas in the USA Have the Fewest Barometric Pressure Changes?
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Honolulu, Hawaii has the least amount of fluctuation in barometric pressure changes in the United States. Although places like Denver, CO may consistently have low pressure, they may also have a greater range of pressure changes. Honolulu’s pressure changes range from 29.34 to 30.32 inches in mercury (993.56 to 1026.75 millibars).
Barometric pressure, also known as air pressure, measures the weight of the air and is affected by many factors. The planet’s gravity consistently weighs down the air, but the temperature, altitude, weather and air density all contribute to pressure changes. Air pressure decreases as altitude increases, due to less dense air and less mass pushing down from above.
Low pressure means that there is less “weight” pushing down. It also indicates that the air is rising and cooling, which helps to form clouds. High pressure means that there is more weight and indicates the presence of sinking air that is warming and has lower humidity. Pressure at higher altitudes is corrected to what it would be at sea level in order to provide a uniform reading.
In the United States, air pressure and pressure changes are recorded in “inches in mercury,” the number of inches that the air pressure forces mercury up a sealed tube. The average air pressure is 29.92 inches in mercury (1013.2 millibars), but dramatic fluctuations in pressure changes have been recorded. The highest air pressure ever recorded in the US was 31.85 inches in mercury (1078.56 millibars) in January 1989 in the city of Northway, Alaska. The lowest air pressure recorded was 26.35 inches in mercury (892.3 millibars) in Key West, Florida.
On the mainland, San Diego, California experiences the least amount of pressure changes. Its barometric pressure ranges from 29.37 to 30.53 inches in mercury (994.58 to 1033.86 millibars). As for the places with the highest number of pressure changes, St. Paul, Alaska ranges from 27.35 to 30.86 inches in mercury (926.17 to 1045.03 millibars). In the lower 48, Charleston, South Carolina has the highest pressure changes, with a 27.64 to 30.85 inches in mercury (935.99 to 1044.70 millibars) range.
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New: Discuss this ArticlePosted by: anon23803
HA! I was enthralled to see both Seattle (where I am from) and Upstate Ny (where I live now) represented here. I am 23 and have had chronic migraines (pretty much all day every day) for about the last 5 years. I was in a botox study (didn't help) while in WA and now am taking topamax everyday but it only helps a little. What I really want is to move but since my husband is in the army it wont be for a few years. We do however have the wonderful opportunity to move in a few years, So I am excited to try hawaii or southern california. I have visited southern cali and did not have any headaches while there. I also had a lot less headaches while in georgia for a few weeks. Just thought I would share- good luck to you all.
Posted by: anon23171
We are looking for the best area to live in the US with the least amount of barometric pressure changes. My daughter has an illness that is compounded my changes in the barometric pressures and we live in the Midwest. She has been having a horrible time this Fall. We are thinking of moving to a more stable climate.
Posted by: somerset
Honolulu does not only have the least fluctuation in barometric pressure, but it also tops the list of large cities with safest air.
Posted by: bw77
I moved to western Washington a year ago and I have been suffering unbearable pain ever since. Every time the cold rainy weather blows in, which is often, even all summer, I am crippled by pain. I have migraines almost daily. Out of a whole year's time there has been only one pleasant month, September. This place is a nightmare.
Posted by: anon14145
OMG I am so thrilled to find this site. It is exactly what I want to know...retirement places where I can be healthy and free (free-er) from the curse of my migraines. I would give anything to have a list of the "best" places for migraine sufferers to live.
Posted by: deltasierra
I live in Upstate New York and suffer from arthritis and migraines - both of which are worsening with age. I am actively looking for a new place to live because I absolutely cannot bare to tolerate another winter here (even the spring is no fun because of so many low pressure systems that are in and out of here)!I'm looking at the mid-eastern portion of Florida - mostly because I'm an East Coast girl, but, I want to be within a reasonable flight distance of my family.
Anyone have any insight on how people fare with arthritis in Florida?
Posted by: SeaShell723
Hi, I live in an area that is one of the best kept secrets... NEW MEXICO! There are some things about the state that I don't know about, but I came here to help my single mom daughter with her kids, and I love it! I lived in Raleigh, NC for 27 years, and it was like living in Charleston, SC, where my other daughter lived for a time. I hated the humidity and the barometric pressure! It was the worst thing for me, as I couldn't move, and could hardly get from the couch to the front porch! Going out and trying to move and breath was a disaster. Since coming to the Southwest, which is similar, but hotter than San Diego (where I also lived years ago) has been the best thing that has happened to me. Living here in New Mexico is cheap compared to other places. No vehicle inspection, 65 dollars to register my car, I have an apt. for $635 a month with utilities in the nicest section of town, etc. Gas and food about the same, and they do loads for the retired. I can have a free meal here every day during the week for free if I don't have the $1.70 donation at the Meal Site. There are so many things to see and do, it's amazing. But the best part is that I am out even in 113 degree weather!!! I am moving so much better, have lost 26 lbs. without trying, (but now I am) and rarely even use A/C in my car with the dry breeze. I'm in heaven here in SE New Mexico. However, I am going to look at Las Cruces about 3 hours to the west to see if I can be nearer to better health care, as that is the only draw back here. Good docs, adequate hospitals, but Las Cruces is only 45 miles or so from El Paso, where the better hospitals are. I would urge anyone who is suffering like I did from barometric pressure problems to check out the Southwest. It's really great...and right now I'm only 13 hours from San Diego. Beach here I come!
Posted by: Ganex
I am also a chronic migraine suffer. Interesting that juliejackson has had some improvement in Seattle. I moved to Seattle area 2.5 years ago and have had the worst stretch of migraine frequency in my life. My "Headache Dr." (migraine/head pain specialist) mentioned that Seattle is the worst area in the country for migraines because of the pressure and multiple storm fronts coming through (but also may be additionally attributed to the number of high-stress jobs in the area and constant overcast leading to depressive conditions).
You should research this point carefully and ask your doctor - although barometric pressure changes resulting in migraines is debatable among dr.s, those of us with physically sensitive brains can probably agree with this.
I am looking to move to SD, although the cost is a little worse than Seattle mainly because of State Income Tax. If I can have fewer migraines, I am willing to live poor (quality of life is less with pain no matter how financially well off you are - unless you like popping pills daily). Posted by: somerset
Not only does Honolulu have the least amount of fluctuation of barometric pressure, but the quiet, unhurried life, beautiful nature and friendly people on the island of Oahu make it an ideal place to live. I am not sure, but I think it is safe to assume that the rest of the Hawaiian Islands have the similarly low barometric pressure fluctuation. Yes, things such as food, and gasoline are a bit more expensive than on the Mainland, but there are some other benefits, in addition to the beautiful, mild climate. Sales tax is 4.5%, public transportation, which is very good, on the island of Oahu is practically free for people over 65. You can get a yearly pass and it will cost you something like $10 for the whole year. You can take the bus anywhere on the island. The best part is that the state of Hawaii does not tax pensions. So there can be some good saving in that area. Definitely worthy of looking into it.
I am on an extended visit here in Hawaii, and I simply love being here. Ocean swimming, an additional bonus, is an activity that can be enjoyed year round. Posted by: sandiego
I am in the same dilemma. live now in san diego but it is too expensive for us and we need to move. i have some chronic illness and affected by the weather. i was wondering about las cruces new mexico or do you know of someplace that is warm but good pressure? look forward to hearing from you all. thanks.
Posted by: DeniseC
I am also looking for an affordable area to retire with consistent barometric pressure without the chill & rain of the Seattle area. I am in far less pain in South Maui, but as with San Diego, the cost of living is too high on our projected retirement income. I am wondering if the author of this article has devised a list of the other areas in the US with these considerations or can direct us to a database containing that information. Thanks
Posted by: juliejackson
Hi there, I'm a native Texan and moved to Seattle a year ago. I suffer from chronic migraines and my health has been much better in Seattle over the past year. The barometric pressure has always been an issue for me, and the weather in Texas always a challenge. I found another article online that said Seattle, WA, Olympia, WA, and Astoria, OR, also have steadier barometric pressure than other places in the US. However, it is extremely damp, rainy and overcast here and chilly, which may pose other issues for you. And the Seattle area isn't really cheaper than California. I'm looking myself to try to find other areas of the US with very little BP fluctuation - which is why I'm posting here. Good Luck!
Posted by: anon3112
I have a health condition that is triggered by sudden changes in barometric pressure. My husband and I are looking to retire in the US area with the least amount of such change, but we cannot afford San Diego. Anyone know the area with the second- or third- least amount of change in the barometric pressure???? Please advise. This will make a huge difference in the quality of the rest of my life. Thanks.
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