Why Pollen Levels Are Rising and How to Prepare for a Longer, Stronger Allergy Season

With the arrival of summer, many people are eager to embrace longer days, warm weather, and outdoor activities. From vacations to barbecues to hikes in nature, it’s a time for fun in the sun. But for millions of Americans, summer also marks the beginning of an increasingly severe allergy season.

Sniffling, sneezing, itchy eyes, and a constant feeling of congestion can turn a beautiful day outdoors into a miserable experience. And the culprit? Pollen—tiny grains released by trees, grasses, and weeds that play a key role in plant reproduction but wreak havoc on human immune systems.

You may be familiar with the visible layer of yellow dust that seems to cover everything in spring. That dust is pollen, and in recent years, it’s been arriving earlier, lingering longer, and becoming more potent. But why?

Why Are Pollen Levels on the Rise?

Pollen levels aren’t just fluctuating—they’re trending upward year after year. The cause? A combination of environmental and climatic shifts. The key contributors include: