Why spring allergies are getting worse — and how to offer relief

Spring is here, and the sun will make more appearances in the weeks ahead, with temperatures warming up. Trees and plants are noticing that spring has arrived and are awakening.

But for allergy sufferers, spring means that allergy season is here. Sniffles, runny noses, and red, itchy eyes are among the symptoms.

If it seems allergy season is starting earlier and earlier, you would be correct. Studies have shown that since the 1950s, summer has been three weeks longer worldwide, with the fall, winter and spring seasons all shorter in length.

Allergy offenders

Early in the allergy season, it is the trees that are the greatest offender as they awaken from their winter slumber. Leaves and blossoms – oh, those blossoms are sprouting, sending their pollen into the air and finding noses. The University of Washington cherry trees are due to open blossoms soon. Once they blossom, though, they will be picturesque, but for those with allergies, a nightmare.

The tree pollen season is just getting underway. At this time, the greatest offending trees include hazelnut and birch trees. Cedar and juniper are also getting started. Cottonwood, Poplar, Alder, Willow, and Maple trees are next at bat. Later in April and May, Sycamore, Ash, and Oak trees will contribute their own pollen.

With longer days, more sunshine, and warmer weather, grasses and weeds will then replace tree pollen and offer their own pollen later this spring and heading into summer.

The Western Washington advantage

Even though many suffer allergies during spring and summer, Western Washington has a significant advantage when it comes to seasonal allergies – rain. Rain washes away pollen in the air, offering great relief to allergy sufferers.

The 2024 Asthma and Allergy Foundation Report reviewed data from 100 U.S. cities and the Seattle area was ranked 88th of all those cities. In fact, the top 20 cities were all from the central plains to the eastern seaboard. The worst city in the report was Wichita, KS, followed by Virginia Beach, VA.

When Western Washington weather gets warmer and drier, pollen counts rise. The Northwest Asthma and Allergy Center posts daily pollen counts, including the most common offending pollen contributors. The next rainy or even windy day will reduce pollen in the air and offer allergy relief.

Dr. Jan Agosti, an infectious disease specialist affiliated with the University of Washington Medicine, offered an idea for allergy sufferers when pollen counts rise.

“Face masks,” she said. “It’s now socially acceptable to wear them, and while high-filtered masks are best, even plain old cloth ones help. Sunglasses and eyeglasses help, too. Anything that keeps it out of your nose and eyes.”

Ted Buehner is the KIRO Newsradio meteorologist. Follow him on X and Bluesky.