WASHINGTON — If you suffer from allergies, get ready. Tree pollen levels are likely to spike to high this week, thanks to a stretch of warmer than average weather. This week's weather in the D.C. Metro area will feature plenty of sun and highs in the 60s and 70s.
Trees are sensitive to warmer weather. A stretch of days with highs in the 60s is enough to get pollen out and spreading, according to Susan Kosisky, Chief Microbiologist of the US Army Centralized Allergen Extract Lab.
"For March, if our temperatures continue to be warmer than average, especially with a string of days in the 60s or 70s continuing next week (with wind and no rain), we will most likely continue to see some higher-than-average daily counts," Kosisky said.
Tree pollen levels have already spiked to high a few days in March, that trend will likely continue. The trend of higher tree pollen counts started as early as February when the DMV experienced several of warm, above-average days.
"For the fourth week in February the daily average is 91 grains/cubic meter ( data 1998-2023). This year the daily average was 522 grains/cubic meter! This was due primarily to our cedar/cypress/juniper family pollen enjoying the warm temps and sunshine," Kosisky said.
April is typically the peak of tree pollen season in the DMV, especially the third and fourth weeks.
"April is our most prolific pollen month, when our most abundant tree pollen producers are flowering and releasing enormous amounts of pollen into the air," Kosisky said.
The trees currently releasing pollen are cedar, cypress, juniper, maple, box elder and pine. Kosisky said other trees species will soon start releasing pollen as well.
Weather plays a big role in tree pollen season.
"Rain, drizzle, and high humidity will help to depress the counts somewhat. Warm, sunny weather will keep the pollen coming, especially if you add some wind," Kosisky said.
High pressure will dominate the weather for the majority of the week, keeping skies mainly sunny.
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