Long Island allergy sufferers are facing a “double whammy” as tree and grass pollen levels peak simultaneously, with experts warning of an unusually intense season driven by climate change and erratic weather patterns. The situation mirrors broader trends across the U.S., from Michigan to Spokane, where pollen counts are hitting record highs, leaving millions struggling with symptoms like sneezing, itchy eyes, and congestion. “When everything’s out all at once, for the people who suffer from tree pollen allergy, it can be really rough,” said Dr. Erin McGintee, an allergist at Southampton’s ENT and Allergy Associates, citing the abrupt transition from a cold winter to a rapid spring.
Double Whammy: Tree and Grass Pollen Collide
The convergence of tree and grass pollen seasons has created a perfect storm for allergy sufferers, with Long Island and New England experiencing some of the worst conditions. Tree pollen, which typically peaks in May, has overlapped with grass pollen, which usually begins in June, creating a “double whammy” of allergens. “Pollen counts were a bit lower than usual earlier in the spring,” said Dr. Rumali Medagoda of Central Mass Allergy and Asthma Care, “but when temperatures rose quickly, so did the pollen counts, fast.” Boston Globe reported that the National Allergy Bureau (NAB) recorded tree pollen levels in Long Island reaching 1,200 grains per cubic meter on May 10, exceeding the 500-grain threshold for “high” risk. Dr. Jonathan Bayuk of Allergy and Immunology Associates of New England linked the surge to climate change, noting, “Pollen counts have been higher every year around here, and that’s directly due to climate change.” The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) reports that grass pollen seasons are both longer and more intense, with varieties like Bermuda and Kentucky bluegrass causing widespread discomfort. In Spokane, grass pollen counts reached 120 grains per cubic meter—well above the National Allergy Bureau’s threshold of 20 grains per cubic meter.
For more on this story, see Pollen Allergy Season Is Getting Longer-What You Need to Know.
A 2023 study published in The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology found that climate change has extended grass pollen seasons by 20% in the U.S. over the past two decades, with higher concentrations linked to increased respiratory hospitalizations. The study, led by researchers at the University of Colorado Boulder, analyzed data from 150 U.S. locations between 2000 and 2022, concluding that warmer spring temperatures and elevated carbon dioxide levels are key drivers. “The combination of these factors creates a feedback loop where plants produce more pollen, which in turn exacerbates allergy symptoms and healthcare burdens,” said Dr. Michael D. Smith, a co-author and environmental health scientist at the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS).
This follows our earlier report, Edmonton Experiences Delayed Allergy Season Due to Late Spring Snow.
Climate Change and Weather Patterns Fuel the Crisis
Experts agree that climate change is the primary driver of the extended and more severe allergy seasons. Warmer temperatures are causing plants to bloom earlier and extend growing seasons, while increased carbon dioxide levels are boosting pollen production. “Higher carbon dioxide levels can also increase pollen production,” said Dr. Camellia Hernandez of Mass General Brigham. Boston Globe reported that the EPA’s 2021 Climate Change Impacts Report highlighted a 16% increase in pollen-related emergency department visits since 2010, with vulnerable populations like children and the elderly disproportionately affected.
El Niño, which is expected to bring warmer and more humid conditions to the U.S., will likely prolong the allergy season, particularly for grass pollen. “The rise of El Niño generally makes our region a bit warmer and more humid, both of which will extend the allergy season while suspending pollen in the air much longer,” warned The Boston Globe. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the 2
