But once temperatures surged into the 80s and even 90s for a string of days, nature made up for lost time and did so fast — with many of us now suffering because of it. Most days have seen medium to high levels of pollen across New England over the last two-plus weeks.
“Pollen counts were a bit lower than usual earlier in the spring,” said Dr. Rumali Medagoda, an allergist for Central Mass Allergy and Asthma Care. “But when temperatures rose quickly, so did the pollen counts, fast.”
Pollen levels across New England have been medium or high for 13 of the last 15 days.Pollen.com
Essentially, the rapid warm-up released the buildup of pollen and accelerated additional tree pollen production, which usually peaks in May, especially from oak, birch, maple, and pine trees.
Oak pollen has been one of the biggest troublemakers in recent years, with those fine yellowish-green particles coating cars, decks, sidewalks, and pretty much anything it touches outside.
What’s likely frustrating for many New Englanders is that the delayed start may actually make this allergy season feel more intense because so many trees began releasing pollen closer together instead of gradually over several weeks.
“Pollen has been much higher than normal this year,” said Dr. Jonathan Bayuk, allergist and immunologist for the Allergy and Immunology Associates of New England. “In fact, pollen counts have been higher every year around here, and that’s directly due to climate change.”
Simply put, it’s a veritable pollen boom around here. And tree pollen doesn’t fade until the end of June, right as grass peaks and weed pollen picks up.
May usually peaks in terms of allergens, blending grass and tree pollen across Greater Boston.Kleenex
The weather pattern hasn’t helped much either. Warm afternoons, breezy conditions, and extended dry stretches have allowed pollen to stay airborne longer. Our rain intensity has not been strong enough to wash it away. Even after light showers, levels have rebounded quickly once sunshine and warmth return.
“Warmer temperatures are causing plants to bloom earlier and extend growing seasons,” said Dr. Camellia Hernandez, a Mass General Brigham allergist. “Climate change is the main driver of higher pollen counts. Higher carbon dioxide levels can also increase pollen production.”
What to expect this summer and fall
Looking ahead, allergy sufferers probably won’t get much of a break this summer. The rise of El Niño generally makes our region a bit warmer and more humid, both of which will extend the allergy season while suspending pollen in the air much longer.
Grass pollen is expected to ramp up significantly through June and early July, especially during those stretches of warm weather and higher humidity. So folks sensitive to grass pollen may need to shower immediately after mowing the lawn or gardening this summer to help tame allergy symptoms.
Then, later in the summer comes ragweed season — the heavyweight champion of fall allergies around here. We’ve seen ragweed increase across the Northeast as our climate continues to warm over the past 50 years.
If we continue seeing warmer-than-average temperatures into August and September, ragweed pollen levels could be particularly aggressive this year. One ragweed plant can release billions of pollen grains, and those particles can travel hundreds of miles on windy days.
Pollen levels will remain high for much of the summer as grass, ragweed, and mold increase across Greater Boston.Boston Globe
Mold may also become an issue this summer, especially if New England sees periods of tropical humidity or frequent downpours. Once again, we may end up with more humid days during late summer and into early fall with a bona fide El Niño in place. Damp mulch, wet leaves, and humid basements are all prime environments for mold spores to thrive.
Whether it’s tree, grass, ragweed, or mold, climate change has extended allergy season, meaning many of us suffer longer.
“Seasons are starting earlier, specifically with a shorter spring and with summer lasting longer,” said Bayuk. “There weren’t any known allergies in humans in the 1800s (before the rise of the Industrial Revolution), but now, more people are struggling, and for more of the year.” Essentially, Bayuk summarizes that the rise of pollutants is directly linked to the rise in pollen counts and allergens.
Massachusetts has seen allergy season lengthen by more than two weeks since 1970, and the same goes for virtually every other New England state.
The allergy season has increased by more than two weeks across Boston since 1970.Climate Central
If you’re looking for a silver lining, it may be hard to find. Sure, cooler days, ocean breezes, and steady rainfall can temporarily knock pollen counts down, but overall, this spring’s delayed start followed by a sudden burst of heat has created a classic recipe for a rough allergy season across New England. But you can do things to try to limit symptoms.
“There are several things someone can do to reduce symptoms due to pollen allergy,” said Dr. PJ Maglione, allergy specialist at Boston Medical Center. “Keeping windows closed and using air conditioning, changing clothes worn outside when returning indoors, and using HEPA filters can all reduce indoor pollen exposure.”
So if you’ve been blaming your headaches, itchy eyes, or scratchy throat on “just a cold,” there’s a pretty good chance that it’s “just the pollen.”
Ken Mahan can be reached at [email protected]. Follow him on Instagram @kenmahantheweatherman.
