It may be February, but your eyes and nose are already feeling pollen.
GREENSBORO, N.C. — It’s back, and we’re going to be stuck with it for a while. High levels of pollen were observed across North Carolina on Tuesday. Local data collected in Forsyth County Tuesday show mostly Cedar tree and Elm tree pollen in the high category for the first time this year. Tree pollen season has begun and will linger through April and May. It’s time to get ready.Â
High Pollen, Even Though It’s February
Tree pollen tends to spike in either late February or early March. Even though our trees appear dormant and bare, they are waking up with our warmer weather. This sends pollen into the air sporadically, which will only increase as spring gets underway.Â
In general, the better the weather is, the worse the pollen is. Here are some rules of thumb.Â
High pollen days are likely during:Â
- Windy Weather
- Dry Weather
- Warm Weather
- Sunny Weather
Lower pollen days are likely during:Â
- Cold Weather
- Wet Weather
- Cloudy Weather
- Calm Winds
When Do Allergy Seasons Run in North Carolina
In our region, tree pollen kicks off the allergy season in late February or early March, peaking in April and May. Grass pollen takes over in late spring and early summer, while weed pollen, especially ragweed, becomes prominent from late summer into the fall.
How To Stop The Sneezing
To help manage your allergy symptoms, consider these tips:
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Stay Informed: Keep an eye on daily pollen counts. On high pollen days, try to limit outdoor activities, especially during peak times like early morning and late afternoon.
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Keep It Clean: After spending time outdoors, take a shower and change your clothes to remove any pollen. Regularly wash bedding and vacuum your home to reduce indoor allergens.
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Create a Safe Haven: Keep windows and doors closed during high pollen periods to prevent allergens from entering your home. Using air conditioning can help filter out pollen and maintain a comfortable environment.
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Protect Yourself: When heading outside, consider wearing sunglasses to shield your eyes from pollen and a mask to reduce inhalation of allergens.
By staying proactive and taking these precautions, you can make this allergy season a bit more bearable.
