PHOENIX — Phoenix is a hotbed for flora that can trigger allergies.
From pollen, dust or mold, what’s in our air and what’s happening in the atmosphere will make allergies even more difficult to manage.
The pollen count, a numerical way to express active allergens, is determined by a formula that measures the number of pollen grains per cubic meter of air. Pollen counts usually rise during the morning, peak about midday, and then gradually fall. That number also fluctuates due to location and weather conditions.
Dry and windy weather will contribute to higher pollen levels, which means heightened allergic reactions. The absence of moisture molecules in the air allows a path of least resistance for pollen grains to inundate the atmosphere. These grains can travel miles!
Rain or a moisture-laden sky condition will tamp down anything flying around in the air, giving relief to allergy sufferers. However, it’s a bit of a double-edged sword. Rain will also start to grow vegetation, repeating the process all over again.
Some seasons historically are worse depending on the weather.
Spring is the climax season for tree pollen. Some common Spring pollen producers are oak, ash, elm, pecan, olive, and mulberry.
Summer is the prime season for grass pollen. Common grass contributors are Bermuda, Johnson, and Timothy.
Fall is the peak season for weed pollen. Some of the common weeds that produce pollen in autumn are ragweed, sagebrush, pigweed, and tumbleweed. Winter can be the mildest for pollen allergies.
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12News+ showcases live video throughout the day for breaking news, local news, weather and even an occasional moment of Zen showcasing breathtaking sights from across Arizona.