PORTLAND, Ore. (KATU) — If your seasonal allergies have kicked into high gear this Spring, you’re not alone. One way those with “hay fever,” or seasonal allergic rhinitis, can plan ahead, is by checking the daily pollen count.
WEATHER | Latest Storm Tracker 2 Forecast
But what is a pollen count?
The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (AAAAI) defines pollen or mold count as a measurement of the number of grains of pollen or mold spores in a cubic meter of air.
Higher counts mean a greater chance that those with allergies will experience symptoms.
How it’s measured
The National Allergy Bureau (NAB) is a part of AAAAI’s Aeroallergen Network, with about 84 pollen-counting stations across the U.S.
The stations use air sampling devices, such as a Rotorod or a Bukard Spore Trap, to collect airborne pollen and spores. Those pollen grains are then examined under a microscope to determine the count and share daily or weekly results. Certification is required for both scientific and public media dissemination, according to the AAAAI.
Why it matters
Pollen is one of the most common triggers of seasonal allergies, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.
In the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America’s 2026 Allergy Capitals report, Portland ranked 38th out of 100 as the most challenging place to live with pollen allergies.
Knowing the pollen forecast in your area can help those with allergies be better prepared.
To check your local pollen forecast, visit the National Allergy Bureau’s Check Pollen Counts page linked here, and select the station closest to you.
