Spring’s late arrival this year has not only delayed warmer temperatures and blossoming foliage, but also the return of allergy season.
After an unseasonably warm March this time last year, pollen levels in the State College area were much higher than normal.
“We went from unusually high pollen levels for this area,” said Andy Mussoline, a meteorologist for Accuweather.com, “with the cold hanging on here, we’re seeing almost the exact opposite.”
Although it may not feel like it just yet, spring weather is finally approaching. Forecasts for the next week show temperatures beginning to settle into a pattern more characteristic of this time of year, but will the delay of warm weather affect allergy season going forward?
“I think we will, throughout the month of April, get back on schedule as far as seeing those blooms come back due to an increase of warmer weather and also the increasing sun angle.”
Mussoline says that considering the long range forecast for the remainder of spring into summer, pollen counts could measure in above annual average.
“Because we’re not seeing any blooms yet, we could see a burst of pollen,” said Mussoline.
Dr. John Solic works in Allergy and Immunology with the Mount Nittany Physician Group. Solic agrees the allergy season is running a little late this year. However, allergy sufferers may be running out of luck. “I think once it gets warmer and the trees start to bud we’re going to see it with a vengeance.”
Solic adds, “It probably will be a bad season because it will be a little compressed in the beginning and will probably extend a little later,” because the start of spring weather is coming so late.”
The biggest culprits in the State College area are tree and grass pollen. And Solic claims the local geography helps concentrate pollen in Happy Valley, “In this area because of the topography with the mountains and the valleys it doesn’t tend to blow away.”
Springtime tends to be the worst time for seasonal allergies in our region. But there is hope. Solic points out, “If you have problems, a lot of drugs are now over the counter. If you don’t respond to antihistamines there are lot of other options.” Your doctor can recommend options that work best for you.
