“Perfect storm” for pollen, allergy sufferers

Sneezing, watery eyes, itchy cough? If that sounds like you, you're not alone. The Miami Valley is experiencing the "perfect storm" for allergy sufferers. We are right in between two pollen seasons, and that has allergy sufferers, well, really suffering.

The first season is a long tree pollen season that began in February.

>>INTERACTIVE RADAR: Rain helps lower pollen count

The second season is grass pollen season, which began in May and typically lasts through July.

"The trees should really stop pollentating by the end of May beginning of June," said Dr. Terry Moncrief, a local allergy specialist. "Then we are left with grass pollen allergy until August at which time of course is hayfever season which is ragweed and weeds, so there is no clear relief until we get back around to winter and things freeze."

>>Your County-by-County Forecast

StormCenter 7 Meteorologist McCall Vrydaghs added pollen levels stay elevated when conditions are dry outside.

When pollen season ends, mold spores begin to climb.

How can you get relief from the pollen in the air? 

  • Close windows at night
  • Limit your time outdoors between 12 p.m. and 3 p.m.
  • Shower before going to bed so don't sleep in pollen

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