Early Pollen Triggers Allergy Symptoms, Concerns for Farmers

Unusually warm winter brings blooms weeks ahead of schedule in Colorado

Mar. 12, 2026 at 10:25pm

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An unusually warm winter in Colorado has led to an early start to pollen season, triggering allergy symptoms for many residents several weeks ahead of schedule. While the early bloom is causing problems for allergy sufferers, it is also raising concerns for local farmers whose crops may be vulnerable to a late freeze.

Why it matters

The early onset of pollen and allergy season is a sign of the broader impacts of climate change, with warmer winters leading to earlier springs and disrupting natural cycles. This can have significant consequences for public health, agriculture, and the environment.

The details

Allergy specialists say pollen, including from juniper trees, has already started appearing about three weeks earlier than normal in the Grand Junction area. This is leading to classic allergy symptoms like itchy eyes, nasal congestion, and wheezing for many people. If the dry, windy conditions persist, allergy sufferers could be dealing with these symptoms for up to six weeks.

  • Pollen season began about three weeks ago, several weeks earlier than normal.
  • Allergy symptoms are appearing about three to four weeks ahead of the typical schedule.

The players

Dr. David Scott

An allergy and immunology specialist at the Allergy and Asthma Center of Western Colorado.

Richard Skaer

The owner of Z's Orchard, a local fruit farm.

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What they’re saying

“About three weeks ago we started to see pollen, and I would say we're maybe three or four weeks ahead of schedule now in terms of what we're seeing on the pollen counter.”

— Dr. David Scott, Allergy and immunology specialist

“I'm already blooming and I'm four weeks, maybe six weeks early.”

— Richard Skaer, Orchard owner

What’s next

If the warm, dry conditions continue, allergy specialists warn that symptoms could linger for up to six weeks. Farmers will also be closely monitoring the weather in the coming weeks, as a late freeze could damage the early blossoms and threaten the harvest.

The takeaway

This early onset of pollen and allergy season is a stark reminder of the impacts of climate change, with warmer winters disrupting natural cycles and posing challenges for public health and agriculture. As these patterns become more common, communities will need to find ways to adapt and mitigate the effects.