Rising Tree Pollen Counts: Allergy Season Starts Early – 2026 Forecast
For many across the United States, the arrival of spring brings not just warmer temperatures and blooming flowers, but also the unwelcome return of allergy symptoms. This year, those symptoms may begin earlier than usual, particularly for individuals in the West and South, as tree pollen levels are already on the rise.
According to a recent forecast issued by AccuWeather on , tree pollen is “ramping up” in these regions. The timing and intensity of pollen seasons are influenced by a complex interplay of factors, including temperature, rainfall, wind patterns, and even springtime frosts. Warmer ground temperatures encourage plants and trees to release pollen, while wind can carry it considerable distances, impacting areas far from the source.
While a period of steady rain can temporarily reduce pollen counts, a subsequent drying period can lead to a surge. Even frost plays a role, briefly suppressing pollen release before it resumes with increased vigor as spring progresses.
Preparing for an Earlier, Potentially Longer Allergy Season
Despite the fact that many may not yet be experiencing symptoms, experts advise that it’s not too early to begin preparing for allergy season. Dr. Collette Spalding of Mid-Atlantic Permanente Medical Group in Washington, D.C., notes that allergy season is generally becoming longer and starting earlier than in previous decades. “Getting a jump start on your allergy prep can truly help you have a more enjoyable spring,” she stated.
Dr. Spalding recommends several proactive steps for allergy sufferers:
- Don’t delay treatment: For those who rely on steroid nasal sprays such as Nasonex or Flonase, starting them a week or two before the typical onset of symptoms can allow them to build up and become more effective.
- Monitor pollen levels: Regularly checking local pollen forecasts, available on websites like AccuWeather, can help individuals make informed decisions about outdoor activities. Pollen levels are typically lowest before daybreak and begin to decline in the late afternoon.
- Minimize exposure: Keeping windows and doors closed at home and in vehicles, and using fans or air conditioning, can help reduce pollen infiltration. Removing shoes upon entering a home, washing clothes, and showering after spending time outdoors are also effective measures.
- Protective gear: Wearing wrap-around sunglasses can help prevent itchy, watery eyes. Reusing masks worn during the pandemic can also provide a barrier against pollen inhalation.
- Nasal rinsing: Using a saline sinus spray or rinse can help clear pollen from the nasal passages.
When to Seek Professional Help
While these preventative measures can provide relief for many, Dr. Spalding advises that individuals who consistently use allergy medications and implement these strategies but continue to suffer should consult with an allergist. An allergist can identify specific triggers and recommend appropriate treatment options. She also cautions that allergy shots require initiation well in advance of the pollen season to be effective.
The 2026 allergy forecast also provides regional insights. For Pennsylvania, AccuWeather predicts average tree pollen levels, peaking in mid-April. Grass pollen is also expected to be average, with a peak in June, and weed pollen levels are anticipated to be average, peaking in September.
Understanding these regional variations and proactively managing exposure can help individuals navigate the allergy season with greater comfort and minimize the impact on their daily lives. While the arrival of spring is often welcomed, being prepared for the potential increase in pollen levels is crucial for those who suffer from allergies.