Amid the joys of spring, tree pollen has emerged as a microscopic bully, causing misery for allergy sufferers. This year, the D.C. area is experiencing near-record levels of tree pollen due to unusually warm weather. In fact, tree pollen counts have already surpassed the high range on eight days this year, with the peak daily count reaching 1,171 pollen grains per cubic meter of air in early March.

The early arrival of spring can be attributed to the sixth-warmest average temperature on record in Washington so far this year. With rising temperatures caused by human-induced climate change, spring has been starting earlier and allergy seasons are getting a fast start in recent years.

The tree pollen season began less than 10 days into the year, and by late January, the counts were already higher than average. Although there were brief slowdowns during cold spells, the pollen season has predominantly roared to life in late winter, which has become a recurring pattern in recent years.

Moderate tree pollen levels were first observed on February 8, around a week earlier than usual. By February 22, the first high-pollen day was recorded. The fourth week of February had an average count of 522 pollen grains per cubic meter of air, compared to the average of 75. In fact, February's final week and the first week of March both had the second-highest average pollen counts on record.

While there has yet to be a count over 1,500 grains this year, which is considered "very high," the date for the first very high count has been moving up in recent years. In every year since 2020, it has occurred before April 8. Last year, the first very high count occurred on February 23, the earliest on record.

The early blooming of trees and plants can be attributed to the mild winter and early spring temperatures experienced this year. With the fewest overnight freezes on record and above-normal temperatures from December to February, some tree species did not undergo full dormancy as intended. A prolonged period of warm days, especially in the 60s to 70s, triggers trees to stir and release their pollen as early as mid-January in the region.

The rise in temperatures and increasing levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere from fossil fuel burning have contributed to higher pollen levels. A study conducted in 2020 found that pollen season has expanded by several weeks and increased significantly since the late 1900s throughout North America.

Typically, the average date for peak tree pollen in the Washington region is April 14, still about a month away. However, in recent years, the peak has occurred earlier. This year's early start and a possible early peak raise the question of whether the second half of the season will be milder. It is challenging to forecast future pollen counts for the season due to the variability in temperatures, humidity, precipitation, and inherent cycling patterns of tree species.

Allergy sufferers in the D.C. area should brace themselves for high tree pollen levels in the coming weeks. While it is difficult to predict the exact course of the season, experts suggest that if there is high pollen production in March, April may see lower levels. As the heat intensifies, it is essential for individuals with allergies to take necessary precautions and seek medical advice to manage their symptoms.