2026 Spring Allergy Season Forecast: What to Expect This Year

Earlier starts, higher pollen counts, and longer seasons — here is what the data says for spring 2026.

Published March 15, 2026 • Sources: AAFA Allergy Capitals 2026 Report, AccuWeather, Climate Central

2026 Allergy Season Overview

More than 106 million Americans experience some form of allergy each year, and the 2026 season is shaping up to be one of the most challenging on record. According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA), extreme weather events driven by climate change are creating the conditions for longer, more intense pollen seasons — meaning many people now face nearly year-round exposure to some type of pollen.

The first spring leaves and flowers of 2026 are unfolding early along the Gulf Coast and Southeast, with tree pollen already elevated in states like Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, and Texas as of mid-March. The Northeast and Midwest are expected to see their own surges beginning in late March through April.

Warming temperatures are the primary driver. When winters are milder, trees break dormancy earlier, releasing pollen weeks ahead of historical averages. This year, the combination of atmospheric rivers, drought cycles, and warmer overnight temperatures has primed many regions for an unusually heavy tree pollen season.

2026 Allergy Capitals: Worst Cities in the U.S.

The AAFA's 2026 Allergy Capitals® report ranks the 100 most-populated U.S. cities based on annual pollen counts, over-the-counter allergy medicine use, and number of allergy specialists. Here are the top 20 most challenging cities to live in with pollen allergies this year:

Regional Pollen Forecast for Spring 2026

Southeast & Gulf Coast (Already Active)

Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and South Carolina are already experiencing elevated tree pollen levels. Residents in these states should expect high pollen days through April, with grass pollen picking up in May and June. New Orleans, Lakeland, and Greenville are among the hardest-hit cities.

Southwest & California (Active Through Summer)

San Diego ranks as the #2 worst allergy city in 2026. California's extended dry season means pollen seasons are longer and more concentrated. San Francisco, Sacramento, and Los Angeles all face elevated tree pollen through April, followed by grass pollen through June.

Plains & Midwest (Peaking April–May)

Tulsa, Wichita, Kansas City, and Minneapolis will see their worst allergy days between mid-April and late May. Grass pollen is the dominant allergen in this region, with weed pollen (especially ragweed) surging again in August and September.

Northeast (Late March–June)

Boston, New York, Philadelphia, and Rochester will begin their tree pollen season in late March, peaking in April. Birch, oak, and maple are the primary culprits. The Northeast typically faces an intense ragweed season in August and September.

Mountain West (April–July)

Boise, Provo, Salt Lake City, and Colorado Springs face an unusually long 2026 allergy season. Juniper and cedar pollen are already active, with grass pollen expected to peak in June and July at higher elevations.

Pollen Season Timeline: Tree, Grass & Weed

Drug-Free Relief: Why Nasal Rinsing Is Your Best Defense

When pollen counts are high, allergens settle in your nasal passages throughout the day. Antihistamines and decongestants can blunt symptoms, but they do not remove the allergens themselves. Nasal irrigation — rinsing your nasal passages with a saline solution — physically flushes pollen, dust, and other irritants out of your nose before they trigger a full allergic response.

Clinical research consistently supports nasal rinsing as a first-line, drug-free strategy for managing allergic rhinitis. The ATO Health Sinus Rinse Packets are formulated with extra baking soda to achieve an optimal pH balance, making the rinse more soothing and effective than standard saline alone. The baking soda also helps thin mucus, making it easier to clear your passages completely.