Allergy season arrives early due to increased pollen levels from early spring

• Allergy season is arriving early for millions of Americans. This comes as spring itself arrived two weeks ahead of schedule in several Midwest states.
• The Climate Prediction Center forecasts temperatures far above average in the southern and eastern regions of the country, leading to increased pollen levels and worsening conditions for allergy sufferers.
• A study by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America found significant increases in allergy rankings in eight California cities due to a “grass and weed pollen explosion” intensified by heavy rains.

---

Full Story

Get your tissues ready: Allergy season is arriving early for millions of Americans. Several states are experiencing spring earlier than usual, according to the USA National Phenology Network at the University of Arizona. The network reports spring arrived two weeks ahead of schedule in several Midwest states.

The Climate Prediction Center forecasts temperatures far above average in much of the southern and eastern regions of the country, which is likely to lead to increased pollen levels due to blossoming trees. This spells trouble for allergy sufferers.

The USA National Phenology Network’s map shows springtime leaf activity earlier than average in red, while blue represents later than average.

A recent study by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America found that eight cities in California saw significant increases in their allergy rankings due to a “grass and weed pollen explosion.” The foundation attributes this to heavy rains that year which spurred plant growth.

What causes allergies?

Plants, trees and grass release pollen in spring to fertilize other plants of the same species. The powdery particles drift through the air and are easily inhaled.

For some individuals, inhaling pollen causes their immune systems to overreact. The immune system perceives pollen as a threat and releases antibodies to attack the allergens, leading to the release of histamines into the bloodstream. Histamines trigger runny noses, itchy eyes, and other allergy symptoms.