Spring Allergy Season Arrives Early And Fierce: What To Expect And How To Prepare

As spring blooms across the United States, tens of millions of Americans who suffer from seasonal allergies are once again preparing for the onslaught of sneezing, itchy eyes, nasal congestion, and watery eyes that accompany the warmer months. 

But this year, allergy sufferers may face an even tougher battle, as experts predict that pollen counts will be higher and the season longer than usual.

Why Allergies Are Getting Worse

The worsening of seasonal allergies isn’t just a matter of bad luck—it’s a direct result of broader environmental changes. According to specialists, climate change is playing a significant role in the increasingly intense allergy seasons.

“Unfortunately, every year pollen counts seem to be getting worse, and that’s largely related to global warming,” explains Payel Gupta, MD, an allergist with Tono Health in Brooklyn, New York, and a medical spokesperson for the American Lung Association.

Rising air temperatures combined with increased carbon dioxide (CO2) levels in the atmosphere encourage plants to grow faster and produce more pollen. Pollen is a fine, powdery substance released by plants during their reproduction cycles, and it’s one of the leading culprits behind seasonal allergic reactions.

The Shorter Winter Break From Allergies

Historically, allergy sufferers could count on winter as a time of relief, but even that window of respite is shrinking. Pollen seasons typically unfold in three distinct waves:

• Tree pollen from February through April
• Grass pollen from April to early July
• Weed pollen from August until the season’s first hard frost

“Because spring allergies can start as early as February, and weed pollen allergies can last as late as November, we’re really not having much respite from allergies,” says Dr. Gupta. 

“Some people can definitely be ‘poly-sensitized’ or allergic to many different environmental allergens, so they may now only get a small break from allergies in the winter, and that break is getting shorter and shorter,” she added. 

Allergy Predictions for 2025

The 2025 allergy forecast, recently released by AccuWeather, reflects these changing patterns. It notes that tree pollen has already begun to rise in southern U.S. states, while a colder-than-usual start to the year in the East may delay tree pollen levels there until later in the spring.

According to AccuWeather, the most severe tree pollen conditions this year are expected to hit parts of the Gulf Coast, the central Plains, the northern Rockies, and the Pacific Northwest.

“Every region in the country is going to have its own unique, challenging pollen, but there are plants everywhere, and those pollens can travel hundreds of miles, so there’s really no safe place to be when it comes to seasonal allergies,” notes Christopher Codispoti, MD, an associate professor of allergy and immunology at UTHealth Houston in Texas.

The Toughest Cities for Allergy Sufferers in 2025

Each year, the Allergy & Asthma Foundation of America (AAFA) ranks U.S. cities based on how difficult they are for people with seasonal allergies. For 2025, these are the top 10 allergy capitals:

1. Wichita, Kansas
2. New Orleans, Louisiana
3. Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
4. Tulsa, Oklahoma
5. Memphis, Tennessee
6. Little Rock, Arkansas
7. Raleigh, North Carolina
8. Richmond, Virginia
9. Greenville, South Carolina
10. Greensboro, North Carolina

If you live in or near one of these cities, experts recommend starting allergy precautions early.

Telling the Difference: Allergies vs. Colds

One challenge for many people is distinguishing between seasonal allergies and the common cold since symptoms often overlap. Both can bring on sneezing, a runny nose, congestion, and fatigue.

“Sneezing will occur with cold and flu, but with allergies you have more of a nasal itch, and the sneezing is often more frequent and intense,” explains Dr. Codispoti. He also points out that itchy, puffy eyes are a hallmark of allergies but are rarely seen with a cold.

The Mayo Clinic additionally advises that while a cold can trigger a sore throat, cough, or fever, those symptoms are not typically associated with allergies. Recognizing the difference can help determine the best course of treatment.

Practical Tips to Manage Seasonal Allergy Symptoms

While you can’t stop the pollen from spreading, you can take steps to minimize your exposure and manage your symptoms. Experts recommend the following strategies:

• Begin medications early. Start taking antihistamines and nasal sprays—whether prescription or over-the-counter—a few weeks before your allergy season begins so they have time to build up in your system.
• Talk to your doctor about options. There are many medications available for allergy relief, and it often requires a healthcare professional’s guidance to find the right one. “I find that a big part of my job is making sure that people understand how to use medications appropriately,” says Gupta. “If you’re trying different medications on your own and they’re not working, it might be time to see an allergist.”
• Close windows when possible. Open windows allow pollen to settle on furniture and bedding. If you must open them, use an air purifier or air conditioner equipped with a HEPA filter to reduce airborne allergens.
• Wear a mask outdoors. On high-pollen days, a face mask can limit your exposure, especially when doing yard work or mowing the lawn. Gupta notes, “Masking can be especially helpful when mowing the lawn or doing other yard work.”
• Change clothes and shoes after being outdoors. Pollen can cling to garments and footwear, so it’s a good idea to leave shoes at the door and toss clothes in the wash after spending time outside.
• Keep pets clean. Animals that spend time outside can bring pollen indoors on their fur. Regular baths and wiping them down when they return inside can reduce exposure. It’s also wise to keep pets out of bedrooms during peak allergy season.
• Shower before bed. “Pollen can sit on your eyebrows, eyelashes, and in the nose, so rinsing off your face is super important,” advises Gupta. A nighttime shower ensures you’re not bringing pollen into bed.
• Use a nasal rinse. A saline solution can flush allergens from nasal passages, helping to ease congestion and sneezing.
• Check pollen counts daily. The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology’s National Allergy Bureau provides localized pollen reports. Monitoring these can help you plan activities and take extra precautions when counts are high.
• Avoid outdoor activities in the morning or on windy days. Pollen levels peak during these times. After a rainfall, pollen counts tend to drop, making it a safer window for outdoor plans.

Staying Ahead of Allergy Season

With allergy seasons growing longer and more intense, preparation is key. Recognizing the signs, starting treatments early, and making lifestyle adjustments can help allergy sufferers better manage symptoms and maintain quality of life through the toughest months. The battle against pollen may be getting harder, but with the right strategies, relief is possible.