Experts issue warning as allergy season grows across the US
By Leslie Sattler
Published on March 14, 2026.
The US allergy season is rapidly increasing, with three extra weeks of pollen season compared to the 1970s. A study by Climate Central found that 173 large U.S. cities gained an average of 21 more days above freezing compared to half a century ago due to increased warmth, which allows plants to bloom longer and produce more pollen. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that 25% of adults and 20% of children are dealing with seasonal allergies, causing them to experience longer periods. The Northwest saw the most significant increase in pollen days, with Reno, Nevada, with 100 additional frost-free days. The longer allergy season can lead to breathing problems, increased medication costs, and strain on health care systems, particularly for children and older adults.
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