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Cadillac Today
By the People, for the People
Warmer Temperatures Trigger Early Allergy Season in Northern Michigan
Local allergy specialist reports 10-15% increase in patient visits this March compared to a typical year.
Apr. 2, 2026 at 8:21am
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Spring's arrival in northern Michigan has brought an earlier start to allergy season, with local allergy specialists reporting a 10-15% increase in patient visits this March compared to a typical year. The warmer temperatures, even with late-season snow, have allowed tree pollen to begin circulating earlier than usual, and mold spores from decaying winter vegetation are also contributing to higher allergen levels.
Why it matters
Allergy season can significantly impact quality of life for those affected, causing uncomfortable symptoms like sneezing, itchy eyes, and runny noses. An earlier and potentially more severe allergy season could mean more people seeking treatment and medication, as well as increased missed work and school days due to allergy-related illness.
The details
According to Dr. Martin Dubravec of Allergy and Asthma Specialists of Cadillac, the trees in the region are 'pollinating very heavily' right now, leading to 'extremely significant' tree pollen levels. Mold spores from decaying winter vegetation will also remain high for the next few weeks. While April is typically the start of allergy season, the warmer temperatures have allowed pollen to begin circulating earlier than usual. Dr. Dubravec anticipates an average to slightly above-average allergy season overall.
- Tree pollen is currently prevalent and will continue through May.
- Grass pollen typically becomes dominant around Memorial Day and lasts throughout the summer.
- Weed pollen emerges around August and persists until the first frost in the fall.
The players
Dr. Martin Dubravec
An allergist at Allergy and Asthma Specialists of Cadillac who has reported a 10-15% increase in patient visits this March compared to a typical year.
Allergy and Asthma Specialists of Cadillac
A local medical practice that tracks and publishes local pollen levels on their website, aaicarecadillac.com.
What they’re saying
“The trees right now are pollinating very heavily. Our tree pollens are extremely significant right now, and our molds are going to continue to be significant for the next few weeks.”
— Dr. Martin Dubravec, Allergist
“It's one of the most common reasons people seek medical attention since 25% of Americans have some allergy to something.”
— Dr. Martin Dubravec, Allergist
What’s next
Dubravec's office tracks local pollen levels and publishes them on their website, aaicarecadillac.com. Pollen counts are categorized as insignificant, mild, moderate, significant, and severe, based on the number of pollen grains observed under a microscope. These levels provide a general representation of pollen concentrations within a 50-mile radius of Cadillac, though pollen can travel long distances.
The takeaway
This early start to allergy season in northern Michigan highlights the need for residents to proactively manage their symptoms through medication, immunotherapy, and minimizing exposure to allergens like pollen and mold. With warmer temperatures triggering earlier pollen release, allergy sufferers may need to be extra vigilant in the coming weeks and months.
