Accuweather Mold Count (2024)

FAQs

What is pollinating now in the UK? ›

Tree pollen occurs first, typically from late March to mid-May. Grass (which actually has two peaks) lasts from mid-May until July, and weed pollen covers the end of June to September. Tree pollen occurs first, typically from late March to mid-May, and affects around 25% of people.

Grass pollen: Grass pollen season happens in June and July. The most common grass pollens in New York City come from Bermuda grass, timothy grass, and sweet vernal grass. Ragweed: Ragweed is a weed that is very common in New York City. Ragweed pollen season starts in August and can last until October.

Rising temperatures cause earlier flowering and pollination and longer pollen seasons for species that pollinate in late winter and early spring (cypress, ash, birch). More exposed to pollens, the population develops more allergies.

Warmer temperatures have caused plants to blossom earlier and produce pollen longer than in previous decades. Air pollutants change pollen's elemental composition and damage its surface, making it more allergenic .

On an average day, pollen counts rise during the morning, peak about midday, and then gradually fall. So the lowest pollen counts are usually before dawn and in the late afternoon to early evening.

More severe symptoms of seasonal allergies this spring are likely due to a warmer winter and an earlier start of allergy season, says Dr. Purvi Parikh, an allergist and immunologist with the Allergy & Asthma Network. And the cause of this longer, more intense allergy season? Climate change.

Seasonal allergies are caused by pollen and tend to start around late-February and last until the end of summer. Even allergies to ragweed should resolve by fall, around mid-October. If your allergy symptoms occur year-round or after pollen season is over, you may instead be having a reaction to mold.

Does rain make allergies worse? ›

Rain can make some allergies worse. This can include allergies to certain pollens, mold, dust, and grass. When rain falls on these allergens, it can break them up into smaller bits. This leads to easier spreading and can result in worse allergies.

When it comes to New York City, allergy season often starts in the spring, typically around the month of March or April, and may last until the early summer months, typically until the month of June or July.

In New York City, you'll want to keep an eye on pollen counts in April, May, and September. These months are when seasonal allergies are typically at their peak. During these months, try limiting your time outdoors or going out in the evening when pollen counts tend to be lower.

Environmental factors play an important role in allergy symptoms. Increased pollution, air quality changes and outdoor allergens such as pollen and mold spores can create a perfect storm for heightened allergic responses.

From about March until May, the blossoming of trees such as hazel and birch creates the first wave of symptoms for some pollen allergy sufferers. From May until July grass pollen forms the bulk of the UK's pollen load. Weed pollen (such as dock and mugwort) starts to occur from June and can last well into the autumn.

Although honeybees get most of the credit, at least 1,500 insect species pollinate plants in the UK. In some parts of the world, birds, bats and even lizards also get involved.

As a society, we focus on creating clean environments for our children. This creates a lack of exposure to dirt and bacteria and could impede immune system development. Research has shown that children have higher rates of hay fever, asthma, and other allergies when they live in very clean environments.

Pollen types across the UK

For example, there's a higher percentage of allergenic grass in western regions of Britain including Wales, while the eastern central area has the lowest percentage. It also tells you that birch and hazel trees are predominantly in the southeast of England.