How climate change makes your allergies worse

The impact of climate change on health is becoming increasingly evident, particularly when it comes to allergies. According to Dr. Neelima Tummala, an ear, nose, and throat specialist at NYU Langone Health, her patients are reporting that their allergy symptoms are becoming more severe each year. This is not just anecdotal; it's a trend supported by data. In the United States, around 25% of adults and 20% of children suffer from seasonal allergies. For these millions, the arrival of spring is synonymous with misery—sneezing, itchy eyes, and aggravated asthma can range from mild annoyances to life-threatening emergencies. Rising temperatures and increased carbon dioxide levels are worsening pollen seasons throughout the country, making allergy management an even greater challenge. Experts are cautious about predicting the specifics for the 2026 pollen season, but the trajectory over recent decades indicates a pattern of escalating allergy issues. The USA National Phenology Network, which studies seasonal changes in plants and animals, has noted that spring blooms are arriving earlier than in previous years. Meteorologists from AccuWeather have corroborated these findings, suggesting that the current trends are part of a broader pattern of extending allergy seasons driven by climate change. They anticipate high tree pollen levels in regions such as the Ohio River Valley and the Pacific Northwest this spring. Meanwhile, areas in the Northern Plains and Great Lakes may experience early grass pollen spikes during June and July due to a mix of increased rainfall and warmer temperatures. Additionally, the Rockies are bracing for a particularly severe weed pollen season, while parts of New England and the Gulf South may experience lower tree pollen levels due to a cooler spring and decreased rainfall. As the seasons shift and weather patterns change, those affected by allergies will need to stay vigilant and prepared for what promises to be another challenging year ahead.