Pollen Levels Are on the Rise, Says 2025 Allergy Forecast

As spring calls for warmer temperatures and more time spent outdoors, preparation for allergy season is also in full swing. According to a forecast issued by Accuweather, pollen levels are expected to rise significantly this year all across the United States. With longer growing seasons, meteorologists expect pollen—produced primarily from trees, grass, and ragweed—to have its peak season in every state, all the way from the Pacific Northwest to South Atlantic regions. “Even if we have an ‘average’ season, we could easily see a few-day period of some extreme pollen when things dry out and there is a week of warm temperatures, especially in the Northeast,” says Accuweather meteorologist Alan Reppert. Below, find what types of pollen experts are warning about—and how to treat allergies when they inevitably arrive.

Types of Pollen You Should Know About

To help combat the likelihood of hay fever, Accuweather tells us what we can expect from allergy season.

Tree Pollen Is on the Rise

Tree pollen is the first to make its mark on allergy season, starting to move across the southern plains—as the temperature gets warmer, tree pollen production heats up. “The cold start to the year in much of the eastern half of the country will keep tree pollen levels lower to start, but there can still be a week period of very high levels,” Reppert says.

Grass Pollen Starts at the Gulf Coast

Once tree pollen starts to diminish, grass pollen begins to rise, Reppert explains. It can start as early as April and last from summer to early autumn, with Northeast and Pacific Northwest facing the worst of these allergens. Dry weather in the Southeast will help combat the grass pollen in states like Florida, Georgia, Alabama, and South Carolina.

Ragweed Pollen Hits the Southern Plains

“Weed pollen contains thistle, sagebrush, and mugwort, and much like tree pollen, these have different start times through the weed pollen season,” Reppert says. Ragweed pollen typically presents around the same time as grass pollen, and the Tennessee Valley, Carolinas, Southern Plains, and parts of the Gulf Coast will be most affected.

How to Treat Allergies, According to Accuweather

While allergy season is inevitable, Accuweather offers some tips to help keep your allergies under control. Below, find their suggested tips—and consider making a mental note so you’re well-prepared for those high pollen levels.

• Avoid waking up before sunrise: Pollen levels are actually highest right after sunrise. To avoid any unnecessary exposure, aim to wake up after the sun rises.
• Enjoy the rainfall: Rain is the antidote to pollen. After rainfall or even an intense downpour, consider stepping outside to get some low-pollen air.
• Keep your windows and air filters clean: Ensuring your home is a pollen-free sanctuary can keep you safe when inside. Make sure your windows and any attached air filters are regularly cleaned to avoid harboring any pollen.
• Change your clothes once inside: Removing your outside clothes when inside is more important than ever. After spending time outdoors, throw your clothes in the wash and change into a fresh outfit.