Why Grass Allergies Are Worse When It’s Hot

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WAVE) – Spring is well underway and allergy season is in full swing. Now that the trees have done their job, it’s time for the grasses to become our main source of pollen.

In May, grass pollen begins to show up in numbers and continues to be the main culprit during the summer months. Although grass pollen is usually a problem in July, it can sometimes persist well into August and September. Poaceae grasses include Kentucky Bluegrass, Bermuda, Redtop, Timothy, and Orchard.

Kentucky Bluegrass germinates when soil temperatures range between 50° and 65°, experts say; this corresponds to daytime anticyclones between 60° and 75°. Most grasses pollinate the most in warm weather; this is why grass allergies are often worse in the warmer months. Grass pollen grains are tiny and can be carried hundreds of miles on the wind.

The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America has released its 2022 ranking of Allergy Capitals across the United States, and once again Louisville is in the top 50. Overall, Louisville ranks 43 out of 100 cities. Last year Louisville ranked 20th and in 2020 Louisville ranked 22nd.

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