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27 November 2023
When you think of Arizona’s arid desert landscape and hot climate, allergies might not be the first thing that comes to mind. However, contrary to popular belief, Arizona experiences its fair share of allergy woes, boasting one of the highest pollen counts in the nation during the fall season.
Arizona has long been misconstrued as an allergy-free haven, mainly due to its perpetually warm weather. Paradoxically, this very climate is a breeding ground for allergens. Here’s why:
In the metropolitan Phoenix area, allergy season typically strikes in spring and fall. The onset can be as early as January and lingers until late November, depending on the pollen that triggers your allergies. Thanks to Arizona’s diverse flora and varied weather conditions, there’s always something afloat in the Phoenix air that can set off allergies. Some seasons, however, prove more challenging than others due to the specific pollen types and atmospheric conditions.
For allergy sufferers in Phoenix, the period between February and June can be particularly trying. Spring brings high pollen counts and windy weather, exacerbating the problem. During this time, pollen from ash, mesquite, mulberry, cottonwood, oak, and olive trees floods the air.
In the fall, typically from September through late November, another surge in pollen occurs. Ragweed is the primary culprit, although Russian thistle and grass allergens also appear.
Summer tends to be less severe, with remnants of grass and weed allergens from the spring. Thankfully, winter provides a respite from allergies in Arizona.
Arizona, with its year-round pollen-producing flora, often ranks as an allergy hotspot in the United States. However, when evaluated against other cities in the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America’s Allergy Capitals Report, the Tucson and Phoenix metropolitan areas secure middle-of-the-road positions.
On the list that assesses cities based on pollen scores, medication use, and the availability of allergy specialists, Phoenix occupies the 60th spot, while Tucson holds the 40th position. Despite being allergy-prone, Arizona’s major cities don’t top the charts in allergy severity.
In the realm of allergies, Arizona distinguishes itself from other regions. While much of the country revels in low pollen counts, the Grand Canyon State stands out with its consistently elevated levels, especially during the fall season. According to pollen.com, over 80% of the country enjoys low pollen status. At the same time, Arizona persists as an exception, residing in the top 16% of areas with higher pollen concentrations.
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