SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV) — Temperatures so far throughout the month of February have been well above normal across the Coastal Empire and Lowcountry.
As of February 19th, the average monthly temperature measured at the Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport is 7.7 degrees higher than the monthly average. Additionally, from February 4th to the 10th, the lowest high temperature of that stretch was 78 degrees! As a result, the pollen level over the past couple of weeks has jumped up drastically.
What is pollen?
According the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, pollen is a fine, powdery substance composed of microscopic grains. Pollen is produced by plants typically during the late winter and early spring months for our area.
Pollen plays a major role in the environment because it promotes seed and fruit development which inevitably leads to the growth of more plants.
Types of pollen
Southeast Georgia and the Lowcountry are home to several types of pollen which commonly lead to seasonal allergies. The first and most abundant is tree pollen, mainly from the oak trees throughout the region. Depending on the weather, tree pollen production usually starts to ramp up during the month of February and early March and it lasts until the early summer months.
Pollen from grasses like oat grass and rye grass follows a very similar timeline as it starts a little later during the month of March and lasting until the early summer period. Finally, weed pollen is common across the region. More specifically, ragweed, which tends to get going during the month of August and last until the first freeze late in the fall and into the early winter season.
Weather Factors
Pollen typically starts to become apparent during the spring season as temperatures rise promoting plant growth. However, the pollen starts impacting our seasonal allergies when you introduce wind to the equation.
As a warm spring breeze kicks up, pollen is lifted into the air leading to layers of pollen on cars, outdoor furniture or even on clothing for those who spend lots of time outside. Not only does it have to be windy but dry conditions also allow for pollen to spread without much resistance.
This is because moisture like rain, fog, or mist can attach to the pollen and weigh it down. This is why when it rains during the springtime, puddles can appear a yellowish color since the pollen is being washed away from the air and surfaces and brought to the ground.
If you are someone who struggles during peak allergy season it is best to rinse off if you spend prolonged periods of time outdoors to wash off pollen that has accumulated on your skin, hair and clothes. Additionally, make sure doors and windows are shut to ensure the tiny pollen particles can't enter your home and car. It is also a good idea to check any air filtration systems, if they are old and need replacing it is best to do so to have properly filtered air.
Finally, try to minimize gardening chores like lawn mowing or weed pulling during the late morning and afternoon hours since this is when pollen is most likely to be an issue. Instead, spending time during the early morning and evening hours could be a good alternative.