The low rainfall of the last month is not only the fear of farmers, they are also that of people allergic to pollen. Abnormally mild temperatures also favored early flowering of trees and, with it, pollen. Thus, the high risk to this allergen was declared, Tuesday, on a large majority of the territory, a few days ahead of the average, reports TF1.
Usually this phenomenon occurs in early March. In advance, the pollen is also more concentrated. “Current temperatures in France are almost worthy of a month of March-April,” notes an engineer from the National Aerobiological Monitoring Network (RNSA). “In recent weeks, we have had an anticyclone which was blocked over France, temperatures which were mild. Sunshine for everyone and no rain, that’s what favored the flowering of trees and in particular the most allergenic species in France”.
A temporary respite
With the next rains, a respite is expected, but the pollens will be back as soon as the sun returns. According to a study by the RNSA, the lengthening of the period of allergic risk is to be directly linked to global warming. The increase in the quantities of pollen follows the curve of that of the temperatures.
In these periods of high risk, the Association des pollinariums sentinelles de France advises people with allergies not to garden or drive with the car window open and to ventilate, preferably, in the morning or evening.