Pollen counts spike in central Ohio in what may be the new spring allergy season normal

Central Ohio's spring temperatures have been rising and so has the pollen count.

Early warm spring temperatures mean common allergy symptoms like a runny nose and scratchy throat came sooner than many would like this year, but April and May are still peak allergy season in the Buckeye State. Tree pollen levels stay steadily high into May.

Pollen counts were rated "very high" on Monday, according to The Weather Channel. Later this week, the pollen count is expected to dip on Tuesday thanks to expected rainy weather, but will rise back up to high for the remainder of the week.

Pollen count high in Columbus due to tree pollen

Other outdoor allergens like grasses have been relatively low even in these peak months, but are overlapping with tree pollen's blooming. Tree pollen is finer and more easily carried by wind, making it the main culprit of symptoms like sneezing and watery eyes.

More: Itchy throat? Runny nose? Why your spring allergies might have started early this year

Allergy season isn't necessarily worse than previous years, it's just the new normal, according to Dr. Tiffany Owens, an allergist and assistant professor at The Ohio State University.

"We had a mild winter and we heated it up pretty quickly this spring," Owens said. "So when we have a more mild winter, we don't get as much of a break from the pollens and molds and things."

More mild winters in Ohio and beyond are becoming increasingly frequent due to climate change.

When does allergy season end?

Relief will likely come in June and July, according to pollen.com, a website run by IQVIA, a healthcare analytics and research company. But, ragweed will have its moment in the sun come August, where the plant is expected to be producing its most pollen for the year.

To beat allergy symptoms, experts suggest keeping doors and windows shut during the day and showering or at least washing your face after being outside. Preventative care is also key, according to Owens, so find an over the counter allergy medication that works for you.

"It's better to take your allergy treatments before you're feeling really miserable," Owens said. "If you are a person who typically has trouble later in the summer or fall, you might want to start your usual treatment a little bit earlier this year."

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Pollen counts spike in Columbus in what may be new allergy season normal