Climate change is fundamentally reshaping allergy season in America, making pollen seasons longer, more intense, and harder to manage for the 106 million people who experience allergies annually. Extreme weather events—including atmospheric rivers, warmer temperatures, and drought—are creating conditions that push pollen counts higher and extend the time people spend sneezing, congesting, and struggling to breathe. Which US Cities Are Suffering Most From Seasonal Allergies? The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) released its 2026 Allergy Capitals report, ranking the 100 most challenging cities in the United States for people living with seasonal pollen allergies. Boise, Idaho claimed the top spot this year, dethroning previous leaders due to higher-than-average pollen levels and a critical shortage of allergy specialists in the region. Boise's rise to number one reflects a troubling trend: tree pollen is peaking earlier in the season and lasting significantly longer, while the number of days with high or very high grass pollen counts has increased substantially. The effects of climate change directly fueled this shift, making the city a bellwether for what other regions may experience in coming years. The top 20 cities struggling most with seasonal allergies include: - Boise, Idaho: Highest pollen counts and lowest availability of allergy specialists - San Diego, California: Year-round pollen exposure due to mild climate - Tulsa, Oklahoma: High grass and weed pollen levels - Provo, Utah: Extended tree pollen season in mountain valleys - Rochester, New York: Intense spring tree pollen from regional forests - Wichita, Kansas: High weed pollen counts, especially ragweed - Raleigh, North Carolina: Dense tree coverage and warm spring weather - Ogden, Utah: Mountain valley geography traps pollen - Spokane, Washington: Extended pollen season due to climate patterns - Greenville, South Carolina: High tree and grass pollen levels Why Is Geography Making Spring Allergies Worse in Some Places? Geography plays a surprisingly powerful role in allergy severity. Cities like Asheville, North Carolina experience particularly intense spring allergies because dense forests, mountain valleys, and warm weather create a perfect storm for pollen accumulation. Thousands of plant species release billions of tiny pollen grains from late February through May, and the slow-moving air in valleys traps pollen, keeping counts dangerously high. The ideal spring weather—warm sun and frequent rain—boosts plant growth and pollen release simultaneously. Additionally, warmer winters and higher carbon dioxide levels mean trees bloom earlier and produce more pollen than they did in previous decades. This creates multiple allergy waves: spring brings tree pollen, late spring and summer bring grass pollen, and weeds like ragweed peak in late summer and fall. How to Reduce Allergy Symptoms During Peak Pollen Season - Indoor Air Quality: Change air filters every one to three months, more frequently if you have pets or allergies. Upgrade to high-efficiency filters that trap smaller particles, and consider whole-home air purifiers that work with your HVAC system to capture allergens. Keep humidity between 30 and 50 percent to limit mold and dust mites, and schedule a spring HVAC inspection to ensure clean, efficient equipment. - Outdoor Precautions: Check pollen forecasts and avoid peak times, usually early morning or windy, dry days. Wear sunglasses and a hat to keep pollen out of your eyes and hair. Use a mask during yard work since mowing or raking stirs up pollen. Stick to paved paths or less vegetated spaces when possible. - Personal Hygiene: Change clothes and shower after outdoor activity to reduce indoor pollen spread. Keep windows closed on high-pollen days, vacuum regularly, and wipe down surfaces. Take allergy medication beforehand—antihistamines or nasal sprays can help prevent symptoms before they start. What Do Health Experts Recommend for Long-Term Allergy Relief? Physicians at Mississippi Asthma & Allergy Clinic emphasize that while simple habits make a real difference, lasting relief requires professional intervention. "Simple habits, like keeping windows closed and changing clothes after spending time outside, can make a real difference in reducing your exposure to pollen. But for lasting relief, allergy shots remain one of the most effective long-term solutions we have, and we encourage anyone who suffers each spring to talk to a specialist about whether they're a good candidate," said Dr. Joshua Phillips, a physician at the clinic. Allergy shots, also called immunotherapy, work by gradually exposing your immune system to small amounts of allergens, helping your body build tolerance over time. This approach differs from temporary relief provided by antihistamines or nasal sprays, which only mask symptoms without addressing the underlying immune response. The broader health impact of untreated allergies extends far beyond sneezing and congestion. Pollen allergies trigger allergic asthma, allergic rhinitis (hay fever), allergic conjunctivitis (itchy eyes), atopic dermatitis (eczema), nasal polyps, and even eosinophilic esophagitis—a condition affecting the food pipe. Long and potent pollen seasons make managing these conditions more challenging, leading to increased healthcare costs and missed days of school and work. "Each year, we see more patients seeking relief," explains Dr. Patricia Stewart, a physician at Mississippi Asthma & Allergy Clinic's Jackson location. "All of our statewide clinics provide Mississippians with expert care that's also close to home, eliminating the need for long-distance travel to see a specialist". Is Climate Change Making Allergy Season a Public Health Crisis? Health officials are increasingly framing the intersection of climate change and allergies as a public health emergency. Kenneth Mendez, President and CEO of AAFA, stated that "Allergies disrupt sleep, undermine concentration, keep children home from school, and keep adults from work. We are experiencing a widening health threat fueled by climate change. Millions of people in the U.S. live with seasonal pollen allergies, and extreme weather events driven by climate change contribute to the conditions that lead to higher pollen levels and longer allergy seasons". The data supports this concern. Extreme weather events are becoming more common, and these events help create conditions for longer, more intense pollen seasons. Many people in the U.S. now experience nearly year-round exposure to some type of pollen, making seasonal allergy management a year-long challenge rather than a spring-only concern. Experts emphasize that while individual allergy management strategies help reduce symptoms, long-term solutions require policymakers at all levels of government to adopt strategies addressing the climate and health crisis. Monitoring pollen counts through tools like real-time air quality sensors has become increasingly critical as communities work to understand and respond to pollen allergies in their regions.
