Pollen season: Climate change to increase length

Here's a news update not to be sneezed at, climate change will lengthen and intensify pollen season, according to new research.

According to a study by the University of Michigan, if carbon dioxide emissions from vehicles, power plants, and other sources continue at the current rate, the world could experience a 200 percent increase in pollen this century.

The spring pollen season could also start up to a month earlier, and last longer into Autumn and Winter.

First, let's get the basics out of the way. Pollen is a dust-like substance, produced by grasses and plants, that contains the male genetic material that plants need for reproduction.

There are various sources of pollen, but the amount of each varies at different times of the year. Tree pollens, such as those from alder, birch, and oak trees, are most common in spring, kicking off allergy season. Around May, grass pollen becomes more of a problem, while later in the season, weed pollen becomes a problem.

A plant's growth affects how much pollen it produces. Global warming will boost plant growth in a lot of places, so pollen production will be influenced. It's not just about the temperature. Carbon dioxide emissions will also be a big driver of pollen increase.

Pollen season is now 20 days longer on average than it was in 1990, according to an analysis of 60 pollen-collecting stations across the U.S. and Canada. Seasonally, the quantity of pollen in the air is also increasing.

However, if you suffer from pollen allergies, Weather & Radar have you covered. You can check the latest pollen count for all of the major types of pollen in your area, with just a click.