Special to the American Press

AccuWeather expert meteorologists are urging people living with seasonal allergies to prepare for an intense allergy season that could last longer into the fall months.

Pollen counts are forecast to spike at levels higher than the historical average at times across parts of 39 states.

“About 1 out of every 4 adults and nearly 1 in 5 children have been diagnosed with seasonal allergies in America. Millions of people living with seasonal allergies will be struggling with more intense symptoms that will likely stick around longer this year in many areas,” AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist and Allergy Expert Alan Reppert said. “You can blame wet and warm weather patterns expected later this year for pollen levels that will reach levels higher than the historical average in many places.”

Tree pollen is the first of three primary allergens in the United States that can cause sneezing, nasal congestion, stuffiness, itchy eyes, a sore throat, wheezing, skin reactions, and sinus pressure for allergy sufferers.

Tree pollination begins in the spring after ground temperatures rise to 40-45 degrees following the winter months, followed by a wave of grass pollen in the late spring and early summer, and then weed pollen that arrives in the late summer and fall months.

AccuWeather expert meteorologists say tree pollen levels are expected to be higher than the historical average this year across a 2,000-mile-long zone from the Gulf Coast to the Northwest spanning 22 states.

Tree pollen levels have already peaked this year across much of the South and Gulf Coast states.

A cooler start to spring across much of the East is expected to keep tree pollen levels lower over the next few weeks, but very high levels are possible later this season.

“Tree pollen levels are expected to hover around average levels in the Northeast, but there could be a one-week period when higher temperatures and a lack of rainfall may send tree pollen spiking at high levels,” Reppert said.

High pollen levels are expected through most of spring in the northern Rockies and Pacific Northwest.

The tree pollen season started early in the Southwest, but drier weather will likely bring an early end to the season.

Grass Pollen

Allergy sufferers in much of the Northeast and mid-Atlantic should prepare for a summer with higher grass pollen levels compared to the historical average.

“Grass pollen starts as tree pollen starts to wane and can begin along the Gulf Coast as soon as April when grass starts to grow,” Reppert said. “It can last through the summer and into the early fall before the sun angle starts to decrease low enough or a frost occurs.”

AccuWeather expert meteorologists say warm air and plentiful rainfall expected in the Northeast and mid-Atlantic will allow grass to grow quickly this summer.

High grass pollen levels are also anticipated across parts of the Northwest this summer.

Dry weather expected this summer will keep grass pollen levels low in parts of the Southeast and eastern Gulf Coast.

Weed Pollen

The highest weed pollen levels are expected across the coastal Carolinas, over the southern Plains and across the Gulf Coast this year.

AccuWeather expert meteorologists say increased rainfall and additional moisture from tropical storms and hurricanes could extend the weed pollen season in both regions.

Weed pollen is expected to peak in July across the Tennessee Valley. Reppert says a second weed pollen peak is possible this year with an increase in rainfall likely in late August and September.

“Weed pollen contains thistle, sagebrush and mugwort, and much like tree pollen, these have different start times through the weed pollen season,” Reppert said.

Lower weed pollen levels are anticipated across the Northwest due to drier weather this summer and early-season colder air that could kill weeds early in the northern Rockies and Pacific Northwest.