Tree pollen climbs heading into spring

Credit: DaytonDailyNews

Many in the Miami Valley are effected by pollen, and each season has a different type of pollen to look out for.

A mild winter, the fourth warmest on record for Dayton, has helped contribute to pollen showing up a little early.

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The first jump in pollen counts occured at the end of February.

This month, we've seen the tree pollen climb -- the highest so far on Monday.

Tree pollen is common during the spring in Ohio.

Grass pollen climbs in the summer time between May and June, and in fall, those sensitive to weed pollen are greatly effected.

Mold spores like damp, cool conditions, making counts in spring and fall higher.

Daily weather can also contribute to changes in the pollen count. Wind can help mix pollen through the air while rain helps spread it downwards.

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A warming climate can impact pollen season, making them last longer and even start sooner.

This makes suffering from allergies even more unbearable.

Looking at the National Climate Assessment in 2014 the number of frost-free days in states like Ohio, Indiana and Illinois increased by 5 to 9 days. This analysis compares the time frame of 1901-1960 to 1991-2012. This indicates that a longer growing season is becoming more common and that is connected to a longer pollen season.

The Regional Air Pollution Control Agency monitors air quality and pollen counts in the Miami Valley.