How the weather affects your allergies

The Southwest Ohio Air Quality Agency on Monday reported 1401 grains of pollen per cubic meter, putting us at the “Very High” level. For comparison, the average amount of pollen for March 22 was 335 grains per cubic meter.

Things were far worse last week as our first very high pollen count came in as 2335 grains per cubic meter.

But, is there a way you can tell what days will be worse for allergies?

According to the American Academy of Allery Asthma & Immunology, in general, you can, based on wind and humidity.

Because pollen grains that cause allergies are small and light, when they are dry they are easily moved by the wind.

So, hot, dry and windy weather causes more pollen to be moved around and so, more allergies.

By contrast, during or after the rain the pollen becomes damp and heavy, keeping it on the ground.

So, rainy and still weather is better for pollen allergies. However, there is more than one allergen in the air.

The Southwest Ohio Air Quality Agency also tracks another major allergen: mold. So far mold spore levels have been low, but the Farmer’s Almanac warned that might not last.

Rain and humidity create a great environment for mold and dust mites to grow. Meanwhile hot and dry weather keeps both those allergens at bay.