Spring Pollen Storm: Where It’s Worst

Pollen levels are climbing as spring bursts into life, and for many people this means itchy eyes and a runny nose. More than 80 million Americans say they suffer from seasonal allergies, and the timing of the pollen varies by region. Tree pollen usually peaks in mid‑April across the Midwest, especially in states like Missouri, Illinois and Kentucky. In the far north, from Washington to New England, the highest tree pollen shows up a month later, around mid‑May. Grass pollen starts to make its presence felt in the South in May and then moves north through June and July, according to weather forecasts. Weeds take over in the fall, but for now the focus is on trees and grasses.Cities that are likely to feel the sting of high pollen this year, according to a national allergy report, include Boise, San Diego, Tulsa and Provo. Other places on the list are Rochester, Wichita, Raleigh, Ogden, Spokane and Greenville. The list also names San Francisco, Minneapolis, Salt Lake City, Richmond, Colorado Springs and Little Rock. Toledo, New Orleans, Winston‑Salem and Lakeland round out the top spots. People living in these areas might want to keep windows shut, use air‑purifying filters and carry antihistamine medication. Checking local pollen counts can help plan outdoor activities to avoid the worst times of day. While the numbers show where pollen is strongest, individual reactions differ; some folks may feel fine in a city with high counts, while others might flare up even at lower levels. Being prepared and staying informed can make a big difference in managing allergy symptoms.