For many people, warmer temperatures and changing weather are not the primary indicators that spring has arrived.
Instead, it is the onslaught of allergens that truly signal that the shift to spring is occurring.
As plants begin to flower, pollen is released from certain species of grasses, trees and weeds to kick start the fertilization process for that species.
While this is an incredibly important process for local ecosystems, it, quite literally, is just a headache for humans in many ways.
Those who drive dark-colored cars in the spring may notice a thin, yellow layer of what appears to be dust coating a vehicle that has been left outside. Upon closer inspection, that yellow substance probably is not dust, but pollen. As that pollen is kicked up into the air, it settles on surfaces, like cars, and can be inhaled by humans and animals.
Once pollen has been inhaled, the body's immune system may target the pollen as a threat which kick-starts those symptoms commonly attributed to seasonal allergies.
Not all bodies have the same response to allergens. Some people may never deal with an allergic reaction, whereas others may be deathly allergic to the smallest allergens.
Unfortunately for those who suffer from seasonal allergies, springtime can be quite brutal on the sinuses. Depending on the weather, those allergies may be exasperated.
When conditions are dry and windy, pollen is easily lifted into the air. Rainy conditions can temporarily improve the air quality, but rain is not always the best hope for long-term allergy relief. When raindrops begin falling, they can help to lower the pollen count that is already existing. This can bring temporary relief, but the pollen counts may come back with a vengeance after the rain has stopped.
Water is an essential aspect of life for plants, and after a rainstorm, plants are likely to thrive and grow. This new growth can lead to more pollen creation and, subsequently, more pollen released into the air. In the event of a storm, the winds associated with the storm may also kick up more pollen after the rain has subsided.
There is not much that can be done to prevent pollen from being released into the air. At the end of the day, pollen is a key part of plant growth and reproduction, so it is a necessary evil. Those who suffer from allergies may do best to find an allergy medication that reduces their symptoms until those plants stop flowering.
Maddie Est has worked as a broadcast meteorologist and marine meteorologist since graduating from the University of Missouri in 2021. She has worked with the Missouri Climate Center and conducted research on atmospheric blocking while at MU.