Why allergies are worse this year in Syracuse and how the weather plays a role

SYRACUSE, N.Y. - The pollen season started early this year in Syracuse, thanks to warmer than normal temperatures this spring. May 2024 was the second warmest on record, plus meteorological spring (March-May) of 2024 was also the second warmest ever in Syracuse. This warm weather caused trees to start pollenating earlier than normal and for a longer period of time.

Right now, the latest pollen count in Syracuse shows moderate levels for trees, high grass pollen, and low pollen for weeds and mold.

The weather also plays a role in the day-to-day pollen levels. When it rains, this brings allergy relief because it cleans the air by trapping the pollen molecules and bringing them to the ground. Also, long dry periods can also bring allergy relief because trees and plants produce less pollen since they need water to grow and blossom.

Wind worsens allergy symptoms because it blows all of the stagnant pollen on the ground into the air and into your lungs. Also, warm temperatures worsen allergy symptoms since it helps plants, trees to grow. Cold temperatures can freeze pollen production.

Right now, we are exiting the peak of tree pollen season, which takes place at the end of May and winds down through June. We are entering the peak of grass pollen season, which is the worst late June to early July. Then ragweed pollen peaks later in the season around early August.

Here's some tips to combat your allergy symptoms naturally without using medicine. Exercising can help to expand your lungs in the long term and prevent shortness of breath from allergies. Also, nasal irrigation sprays with water or a saline mix can help to clear your nasal passage of any pollen you may have breathed in. Plus, Vitamin C and honey are great ways to boost your immune system to combat the symptoms of allergies.