Spring has sprung—and so has the pollen. With warm weather spreading across the country, allergy season is officially underway, and 2025 is shaping up to be a rough one for millions of Americans.
AccuWeather meteorologists are warning that from the mid-Atlantic to the Pacific Northwest, pollen levels are expected to soar through the spring and summer. In some places, allergy sufferers could face a rare “dual peak” in allergens this year.
Tree pollen is the first to blanket the air in early spring. It’s already surging across the southern U.S., particularly along the Gulf Coast, central Plains, and into the Pacific Northwest. In the eastern U.S., a colder-than-usual start to the year may delay the peak—but only slightly. AccuWeather’s Alan Reppert says even an “average” season can deliver several days of extreme pollen once temperatures rise.
As spring advances, grass pollen takes over, especially from April through early fall. The Northeast and Pacific Northwest are bracing for the worst grass pollen spikes, particularly in June and July. The Southeast, by contrast, may catch a break due to drier conditions during peak months.
Ragweed, a persistent late-summer irritant, is expected to surge across the Tennessee Valley. High moisture levels could cause a second wave of pollen, creating a “dual peak” in symptoms for residents. Tropical moisture could also extend the ragweed season in the Carolinas and parts of the southern Plains.
Meanwhile, allergy sufferers in the Rockies and northern Plains can expect a milder season when it comes to ragweed.
Reppert notes that roughly one in four U.S. adults—and nearly one in five children—experience seasonal allergies. With that many people at risk, managing symptoms becomes critical.
Experts recommend avoiding outdoor activity early in the morning, keeping windows closed, and changing clothes after being outside. Rainy days can offer temporary relief, washing pollen out of the air. And checking daily forecasts, like those on AccuWeather.com, can help people plan their days around allergy risks.
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