If there are any questions on springtime’s arrival, just look for the pollen-fueled itchy eyes, runny noses, and sneezing for verification. 

Professor of environmental health at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Naresh Kumar, tracks pollen in the region. Kumar stated, “It’s worse than last year.”

Last spring, the sunshine state experienced a heavy allergy season after a milder winter, with the extra rain creating the perfect recipe for a longer spring season. However, Kumar said he has noticed even more pollen this year due to South Florida’s hot and cold weather. 

Unfortunately, this isn’t great news for individuals with allergies, asthma, and lung conditions. 

Allergies in the Sunshine State

Allergies are common in Florida, but some months are worse than others. However, scientists are noticing that allergy seasons have become longer in the country due to warmer temperatures caused by climate change. These warmer temperatures lead to more pollen in the air for longer periods of time. 

In Miami-Dade County, the allergy risk is above moderate for the next two weeks, according to the Weather Channel’s 15-day allergy forecast. While still moderate, Broward may likely see a tick-up next week. 

South Florida Allergies

According to Kumar, some of the most common allergies in South Florida include:

  • Tree pollen, especially from oak and pine trees, which are common throughout the region.
  • Ragweed pollen: While this plant only lives for one season, it can produce up to one billion pollen grains, which can be carried by the wind across regions. It grows throughout the U.S., including Florida, and is a common cause of hay fever and asthma attacks.
  • Mold: South Florida’s humid climate creates easy conditions for mold to grow outdoors and inside, causing stuffy noses, sore throats, coughing, and skin rashes. People with asthma or who are immunocompromised can experience more severe reactions. 

For those allergic to tree pollen, such as oak and pine trees, tree pollen hit its peak last week and will hopefully be calming down by the end of March, according to Kumar. Unfortunately, other pollens will begin to circulate more in the coming months. 

Checking Miami’s Allergy Forecast

Annually ranking the top 20 “allergy capitals” in the country, the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America recommends that you monitor pollen forecasts and check local air quality data to better understand your risk for allergies and asthma. The Weather Channel has a 15-day forecast that ranks a ZIP code’s allergy risk from very low to very high, as well as a three-day pollen breakdown for tree pollen, gas pollen, and ragweed pollen. You can check air quality data on AirNow, which tracks air quality data across the country. 

For those struggling to manage their allergies during this time of year, it is important to pay attention to your symptoms, as both allergies and colds can cause sneezing and runny noses. However, allergies rarely cause a sore throat, cough, or fever, according to the Mayo Clinic. On the other hand, itchy eyes are a common symptom of allergies and not colds. 

Patients 12 and older can head to a CVS MinuteClinic to undergo a blood test to help identify if their allergy or asthma symptoms are triggered by pet dander, ragweed, oak, or other common allergens.