Now that fall is finally here, it's time to start thinking about allergy season. Unfortunately, forecasters predict this will be a difficult season, specifically for two regions in the United States. More than a dozen states will feel the impact that a hot and dry summer can bring, even those who may not usually deal with seasonal allergies.
Fall Allergy Outlook Throughout the United States
If you're east of the Mississippi River, prepare for high ragweed pollen throughout the fall. Fortunately, the peak of fall pollen has passed in the Northeastern portion of the country. However, this area will likely see some spikes of ragweed due to the unseasonably warm temperatures and ample moisture.
People will need to wait longer for relief throughout other states along the Eastern Seaboard. Unfortunately, the Southeastern states are the hotspot for seasonal allergies due to a much later arrival of cooler weather. Usually, these states experience their first frost of the season in late October, but some researchers predict that temperatures will remain high until a bit later. This later-than-average freeze will ensure that ragweed pollen levels remain high over the next several months, leading to trouble for seasonal allergy sufferers.
If you live anywhere between southern Idaho and western portions of Arizona, you can also expect unusually high pollen counts thanks to ample rainfall over the last several weeks. From August through September, total rainfall counts in southern parts of Nevada have climbed 350% higher than previous averages. Boise, Idaho, is experiencing similar rainfall amounts, exceeding their average by 360%.