When will pollen counts peak in Charlotte? What to know as spring approaches in NC

Evan Moore
·2 min read

The first day of spring is almost here, which means allergy sufferers should start preparing for pollen season.

According to the latest forecast from AccuWeather, pollen levels are expected to remain low in Charlotte until Sunday, when they jump to moderate.

The highest pollen counts in North Carolina are usually recorded between the last week of March and the second week of April, a spokesperson for the N.C. Department of Environmental Quality told The News & Observer.

However, peak pollen counts depend on several factors, including the season, weather and time of day, according to Carolina Asthma & Allergy, a medical clinic based in Charlotte.

Here’s what to know about pollen season in Charlotte, when pollen counts are the highest and how to manage your allergy symptoms.

When is pollen season in Charlotte?

According to Carolina Asthma & Allergy, a clinic based in Charlotte, pollen season varies depending on where it comes from:

  • Ragweed: August-December, highest in September

  • Grass: April-September, highest in May-August

  • Trees: March-June, highest in April

  • Mold: July-October, can be year-round if exposed to spores indoors

What time of day are pollen levels the highest?

Pollen levels are usually highest early in the morning until around midday when plants are releasing pollen, according to Carolina Asthma & Allergy.

“While pollen count is typically low in the evening, some people experience nighttime allergies, the clinic says. “That’s because you may become exposed as the air cools and pollen falls onto surfaces.”

You can also become more exposed to pollen if it collects on your clothes or in your home during the day, according to the clinic.

What are the symptoms of pollen allergies?

According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology, pollen can trigger allergy symptoms such as:

  • Sneezing

  • Nasal congestion

  • Runny nose

  • Watery eyes

  • Itchy throat and eyes

  • Wheezing

How to treat pollen allergies

Medications can help reduce your pollen allergies, according to Carolina Asthma & Allergy. Some medications that can help include over-the-counter Benadryl, Claritin and Zyrtec. Also suggested are nasal corticosteroids like Nasacort, Flonase and Zicam. Decongestants Mucinex and Sudafed work well, too.

Allergy shots, which involve a series of injections that contain a specific allergen to help your body build immunity to it, can also improve symptoms over time.

How to reduce exposure to allergy triggers

There are steps you can take to reduce your exposure to things that trigger your allergy symptoms, according to Carolina Asthma & Allergy:

  • Avoid outdoor tasks like mowing lawns or pulling weeds to reduce your exposure to allergens

  • Don’t hang laundry outdoors, since pollen could stick to towels and sheets

  • Stay indoors when it’s windy and dry

  • Shower after being outdoors to remove pollen from your body

  • Wear a pollen mask if you do outdoor chores

  • Use a dehumidifier and air conditioning in your car and home

  • Clean your floors with a vacuum that has a HEPA filter