ATLANTA — Are you ready for peak pollen counts over the next couple of weeks? Now that the rain has moved out, we are entering into a dry and warmer pattern. We expect those pollen spores to explode for the end of March and beginning of April.
Tuesday's pollen count was 3258. That count was taken before the heavier rain moved in. Thanks to Tuesday's rain, we expect Wednesday morning's pollen count to be a little lower.
We've already had some extremely high numbers so far this year. When you look at the March 2024 calendar, you see three "extremely high" pollen days. Extremely high is a count over 1500. Those extremely high days were on the 21st, 25th and 26th. Last year by this time, we had already experienced six extremely high days.
It seems like some of the pollen spores are just waiting to explode. With dry and warm air for the rest of the week and into the weekend, we think the pollen numbers will skyrocket.
There are two main reasons for the expected pollen spike:
1. It's time
We typically see our peak numbers at the end of March and beginning of April. Take a look at the record pollen counts since Atlanta Allergy and Asthma has been keeping records. All of these record high counts occurred late March to mid-April. We are just now getting to that timeline when we expect the high numbers.
2. Weather conditions the next few days will enhance higher pollen numbers
So far this year, we've had some cool snaps that have limited our number of extremely high days. We've also had above average rainfall that has also limited higher pollen counts. Now that Tuesday's rain is gone, we are moving into a warmer and drier weather pattern. That will give the plants a little time to release all of those pollen particles into the air.
So get ready. If you thought the pollen we've already experienced this year was bad, we have more coming.