Albuquerque Sees Early Allergy Season Onset

Local environmental health scientist cites warm, dry weather as cause for earlier pollen season

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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Albuquerque is experiencing an earlier-than-normal allergy season this year, according to Dr. Patrick Hudson, a senior environmental health scientist for the city. The warm and dry conditions have led to a spike in pollen from ash, elm, and juniper trees, prompting the city to issue dust shutdown notices for local businesses. Dr. Hudson advises residents to wear masks or bandanas to help filter pollen and to monitor the city's daily air quality and pollen count updates.

Why it matters

Albuquerque's early allergy season onset is a sign of the city's changing climate, with warmer and drier conditions leading to earlier plant blooms and pollen release. This can have significant health impacts on residents, especially those with respiratory conditions like asthma. The city's proactive measures to monitor air quality and notify the public about dust and pollen levels aim to help the community prepare for and manage these allergy-related challenges.

The details

According to Dr. Hudson, the combination of warm temperatures and lack of precipitation has stimulated earlier plant activity, leading to a sharp increase in ash, elm, and juniper pollen levels. While this is typically expected around this time of year, the onset has come about two weeks ahead of the historical norm. Dr. Hudson notes that this could potentially lead to a shift in the timing of other pollen species as well, making it difficult to forecast the full scope of the allergy season.

  • The allergy season in Albuquerque has started a couple weeks earlier than usual this year.
  • The city has issued two dust shutdown notices for local businesses this week due to high wind advisories and dry weather.

The players

Dr. Patrick Hudson

A senior environmental health scientist for the city of Albuquerque who is well-versed in the city's allergy and air quality issues.

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What they’re saying

“It's been quite warm. And it has been dry. But there has been enough water to stimulate plant activity. And so our pollen season seems to be revving up earlier this year than historically normal.”

— Dr. Patrick Hudson, Senior Environmental Health Scientist (KRQE)

“I can't say for sure. Given that it's warm, we might see earlier in species that we would normally see coming online later. So there might be a shift from mid-April to early April, maybe until March. It just depends on what our temperature's precipitation inputs look like between now and then. It's difficult to forecast.”

— Dr. Patrick Hudson, Senior Environmental Health Scientist (KRQE)

What’s next

The city will continue to monitor pollen and air quality levels and provide updates to residents. Dr. Hudson recommends that people with allergy symptoms consider wearing masks or bandanas to help filter pollen, and to consult with a doctor if symptoms persist or worsen.

The takeaway

Albuquerque's early allergy season is a sign of the city's changing climate, with warmer and drier conditions leading to earlier plant blooms and pollen release. This highlights the need for the community to stay informed and prepared to manage these allergy-related challenges, which can have significant health impacts, especially for those with respiratory conditions.