Rains Signal Strong Spring Allergy Season
- Allergy sufferers may face a challenging spring,with forecasts suggesting a potentially "strong" pollen season.
- One allergist cautioned that individuals spending time outdoors shoudl take precautions due to the likelihood of elevated pollen levels early in the season.
- An allergology service noted the difficulty in gathering data in the weeks leading up to spring.
Allergy Sufferers Brace for Perhaps Intense Spring Pollen Season
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March 26,2025
Allergy sufferers may face a challenging spring,with forecasts suggesting a potentially “strong” pollen season. Though, experts say predicting teh duration of peak grass pollen levels remains difficult. Recent rains have already disrupted typical allergy patterns, with symptoms emerging earlier than usual. Those allergic to olive pollen,which typically appears in May,may experience a delayed onset of symptoms this year.
One allergist cautioned that individuals spending time outdoors shoudl take precautions due to the likelihood of elevated pollen levels early in the season. The allergist noted that a period of sunshine and rising temperatures following recent rains could trigger a surge in pollen as plants begin to flower. Patients are totally asymptomatic
during this period, which is unusual, the allergist added.
An allergology service noted the difficulty in gathering data in the weeks leading up to spring. Readings will be taken weekly,and then daily,to issue alerts.Current forecasts rely on rainfall patterns and mathematical models published by the Spanish society of Allergology,which anticipates a moderate to intense spring in central Spain. pollen counts could exceed 5,000 grains per cubic meter in some areas, and surpass 6,000 grains per cubic meter in others, according to the society.
The severity of the season for allergy sufferers will depend on April’s whether, according to one expert.A rainy April could push the peak allergy season into May, when grass and olive pollen combine. Conversely, stable, dry weather in April could lead to a surge in pollen as vegetation dries out.A “fresh” April with rain could result in a more typical allergy season.
Everything depends on the temperatures,
the expert said, adding that current models point to a potentially high-pollen season, with April’s weather playing a crucial role in determining its intensity.
Past Pollen Levels
Data from a pollen monitoring website indicates that the previous spring saw some of the highest grass pollen counts in recent years. The website, maintained by the spanish Society of Allergology, reported 6,212 grains of grass pollen per cubic meter in one province during 2024. This surpasses the previous high of 5,388 grains recorded in 1996, according to the same source.
The data also suggests that olive pollen levels were relatively low last year, with 6,294 grains recorded, compared to over 7,000 and 9,000 grains in 2021 and 2020, respectively.
Additionally, the data highlighted record levels of plane tree pollen, with 3,137 grains per square meter. Cupressaceae pollen, which is increasingly causing allergic reactions during winter, also reached high levels, with over 4,500 grains recorded.
Overall pollen counts last year reached approximately 24,000 grains,lower than the highest levels recorded in previous years. The lower levels were attributed to rainfall, which reduced the presence of Alternaria, a fungus that causes allergic rhinitis.
Allergy Season 2025: What You Need to Know
Will the 2025 Spring Pollen Season Be Intense?
Yes, forecasts suggest a possibly “strong” pollen season for allergy sufferers. Experts indicate that predicting the exact duration of peak grass pollen levels remains difficult. Recent weather patterns, including rainfall, have already disrupted typical allergy patterns, with symptoms emerging earlier than usual.
Key Takeaways:
A potentially intense spring pollen season is expected.
Recent rainfall has affected usual allergy patterns.
What Pollen Types Should I Be Aware Of?
Several types of pollen can trigger allergies. Common culprits include:
Grass Pollen: A major cause of seasonal allergies.
Olive pollen: Frequently enough appears later in the season, typically in may, but might potentially be delayed this year.
Plane Tree Pollen: High levels have been recorded in the past.
Cupressaceae Pollen: Increasingly causing allergic reactions, even during winter.
how Will the Weather Impact the Pollen season?
AprilS weather will considerably influence the severity of the allergy season.
Rainy April: could push the peak allergy season into May when grass and olive pollen combine.
Stable, Dry April: Could lead to a surge in pollen as vegetation dries out.
“Fresh” April with Rain: May result in a more typical allergy season.
the expert stated, “Everything depends on the temperatures,” indicating the crucial role of weather in determining the season’s intensity.
What Precautions Should I Take?
Individuals spending time outdoors should take precautions due to the likelihood of elevated pollen levels early in the season.
Consult with an allergist for personalized advice and treatment options.
Monitor pollen forecasts and alerts provided by allergology services.
How Does This Season Compare to Past Years?
Data from a pollen monitoring website maintained by the Spanish Society of Allergology indicates that the previous spring, in 2024, saw some of the highest grass pollen counts in recent years. Overall pollen counts last year reached approximately 24,000 grains,attributed to rainfall,which reduced the presence of Alternaria,a fungus that causes allergic rhinitis.
Past Pollen Level Comparisons
| Pollen Type | 2024 (Grains/Cubic Meter or Square Meter) | Previous High (If Applicable) |
| —————— | —————————————- | —————————– |
| Grass Pollen | 6,212 | 5,388 (1996) |
| Olive pollen | 6,294 | Over 7,000 and 9,000 (2021 & 2020) |
| Plane tree Pollen | 3,137 (per square meter) | Record Levels |
| cupressaceae Pollen | over 4,500 | Record Levels |