AccuWeather’s Insights on Allergy Trends
“Weather conditions in your neighborhood and even hundreds of miles away can significantly influence pollen levels and allergy symptoms,” stated Alan Reppert of AccuWeather.
AccuWeather has released its annual allergy forecast for the U.S., revealing that approximately 67 million people suffer from allergies, with 81% of allergy sufferers being allergic to pollen. As spring approaches, pollen counts are expected to swing sharply upward, although New England is projected to experience lower weed and tree pollen counts this year.
Reppert noted that tree pollen levels in parts of New England may be lower than historical averages due to a colder spring and less rain. In contrast, the Ohio Valley is facing the highest tree pollen levels this year, particularly after rounds of rain in April. Brett Anderson, another meteorologist at AccuWeather, remarked, “Longer growing seasons and more intense rainfall are creating conditions that can worsen seasonal allergies over time.”
Hurricane Season Forecast
As the allergy season unfolds, attention is also turning to the upcoming Atlantic hurricane season, which begins on June 1, 2026. The first name on the list for this season is Arthur, followed by Bertha and Cristobal. This year, the Atlantic list includes 21 names, skipping the letters Q, U, X, Y, and Z, while the Eastern Pacific hurricane list features 24 names, including X, Y, and Z.
The 2020 Atlantic hurricane season was notably one of the busiest on record, with 30 named storms, 14 of which were hurricanes, and 7 classified as major hurricanes with winds of at least 111 mph. As meteorologists prepare for the new season, they anticipate that severe weather will impact parts of the central United States through next week, with risks for high winds, large hail, and tornadoes.
“Naming storms is meant to make communication faster and clearer,” a spokesperson noted, emphasizing the importance of clear communication during severe weather events.
As the seasons change, both allergy sufferers and those in hurricane-prone areas are urged to stay informed about the evolving weather patterns and forecasts from AccuWeather.
