Atlanta Pollen Levels Soar, Signaling Intense Allergy Season Ahead

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Atlanta is experiencing extremely high pollen levels this weekend, with the total pollen count reaching 2,792 grains per cubic meter. This is firmly in the 'very high' range, enough to trigger allergy symptoms like sneezing, itchy eyes, and congestion. Trees like pine, oak, sweet gum, sycamore, and birch are the main contributors to the pollen surge, leaving a layer of yellow dust on cars and porches across the city.

Why it matters

High pollen counts can significantly impact the health and quality of life for those with seasonal allergies. This early-season spike suggests Atlanta may be in for another intense allergy season, following a 2025 season where pollen levels were in the high or extremely high range over 60% of the time from mid-February to mid-May.

The details

The pollen data comes from the Atlanta Allergy & Asthma's pollen counting station, the only National Allergy Bureau-certified station in the Atlanta area. It measures the number of pollen grains per cubic meter of air over a 24-hour period, providing a clear picture of what residents are breathing in. So far this year, there have already been 10 high pollen days and 3 days that reached the extremely high category.

• On March 12, the pollen count hit 3,226, the second-highest early-season reading ever recorded for mid-February through mid-March.
• On March 29, 2025, Atlanta shattered a 35-year record with a massive pollen count of 14,801, a truly brutal day for allergy sufferers.