Achoo!! ‘Tis the season for runny noses, scratchy throats, and watering eyes. We are about to enter the spring allergy season. Beginning Monday, March 25th we will bring you the daily pollen and allergy forecast sponsored by Family Allergy and Asthma.
Starting in February or March plants start releasing their pollen. Tree pollen is the primary allergen during the spring. Into the summer we transition to grass, ragweed, and other weeds. Mold also peaks in July.
The weather can play a key role in the daily pollen count. A milder winter can mean an early start to the spring allergy season. Meanwhile a late freeze can delay pollination. The day-to-day weather variability can bring some needed relief for allergy sufferers.
While sunshine does some good for the soul, dry and windy spring days it can make you feel worse. The wind blows the pollen leading to a higher concentration in the air. Rain can be both good and bad for those battling allergy symptoms. It may rain enough to almost completely wash away the pollen. The added moisture weighs down the pollen and keeps it close to the ground. On the flip side, rain will help the plants and grass grow faster and eventually released more pollen. Other allergens – like mold and dust mites – thrive in “moist” conditions.
As for Monday’s pollen count, Lexington will be in the medium category at a 5 out of 12. Rain showers will bring some temporary relief to tree pollen suffers. Counts will return to the high category later in the week. Juniper, elm, and maple are the top allergens right now.
You can see the daily pollen count on LEX 18 News at Sunrise, at Noon, and at 5:30 PM.
