Unseasonably Warm February to Blame for Early Onset of Spring Allergy Season

Posted: March 10, 2023 4:02 pm

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You are not imagining it if you live in the southern or eastern U.S. and feel as if your pollen allergies are giving you trouble already. Early reports are demonstrating rapidly increasing pollen levels, coming on earlier than usual thanks to an unseasonably warm February.

Warmer Than Average February Sends Pollen Count Soaring in Early March

Pollen levels are already trending much higher than usual in the southern and eastern portions of the country. For instance, the pollen count in Atlanta hit the “extremely high” range last Monday. This is the earliest in the calendar year that this level has been reached since the Atlanta Allergy and Asthma physicians practice began keeping track 30 years ago.

Temperatures that came in much higher than usual over the month of February are being blamed for the pollen explosion. Scientists are warning that allergy season is starting earlier and lasting longer thanks to global warming. A recent report from Climate Central demonstrated how warmer temperature readings have impacted the duration and onset of allergy season in over 200 U.S. cities since 1970.

The report found that the average growing season is now lasting 16 days longer in the Southeast, 15 days longer across the northeastern corner of the country, and 14 days longer in the South. The growing season is trending even longer in the West, coming in at 27 days longer.

Because of the extended growing season, it makes sense that the pollen season will also last longer. While pollen is simply a nuisance for most people, it can also trigger potentially dangerous asthma attacks in vulnerable populations.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over 24 million Americans deal with respiratory allergies induced by pollen. The incidence of these allergies is highest during the spring months when plants reproduce and release minuscule pollen grains into the air. These grains of pollen are small enough to be inhaled by people.

Experts worry that a longer than usual pollen season could create a public health emergency in the future. As the winters get warmer at the hands of climate change, wind-driven pollen will also increase exponentially.

Mold Allergens Marching Upward

Mold allergens are also on the rise. This type of fungi is a common allergen for millions of Americans. Wetter conditions and warmer temperatures tend to see more mold development. As such, it is not surprising to learn that mold levels are also increasing across the board.

In addition to the overall wetter pattern creating more mold development, extreme precipitation events increase the likelihood of more mold. For instance, Climate Central detailed in its latest report that there is a link between thunderstorms and allergens. The proliferation of severe weather throughout the South this winter has no doubt contributed to the higher level of mold spores.

Tips for Managing Allergies

While you cannot control the prevalence and timing of pollen and mold allergies, there are steps that you can take to help to manage your symptoms. Understanding what triggers your allergies can help you to minimize the discomfort that you experience. Remaining indoors early in the morning and later in the day can help to reduce your exposure to pollen.

It is also a good idea to close the windows in your home and vehicle so that pollen particles do not infiltrate your living space. Regularly changing the air filters in your home’s HVAC system can go a long way in helping to keep these particles at bay.

Do not wait until your allergies get out of control to stock up on the appropriate medications. This is particularly important if you know that you will need a steroid nasal spray. Many areas see a run on these types of medications if levels are especially high. Being aware that allergy season is lasting longer and starting earlier will help you to make the appropriate decisions when it comes to treatment and mitigation strategies.

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