KANSAS CITY, Mo. — They’re calling it the pollen vortex. This year has been one of the worst for allergy sufferers, and allergists are blaming the long, cold winter.
Unfortunately, it’s going to get worse before it gets better. While area trees are nearing the end of their pollination cycle, the grass is just getting started.
Allergists are pointing the finger at the polar vortex. Since this past winter was longer and colder than usual, it delayed many trees’ pollination cycle. So instead of different types of trees releasing pollen over a two month period, all the trees released pollen at the exact same time.
In Kansas City, a low tree pollen count is less than 100 particles per cubic meter. This season, it has spiked at 6000 particles per cubic meter, and it’s expected to be around 200 on Monday.
Some experts believe climate changes are causing longer, dryer summers and more intense winters, which means get used to these types of intense allergy seasons.
But if you think we have it bad in Kansas City, at least we don’t live in Wichita. According the the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, Wichita ranks 12th in worst cities to live in for allergy sufferers. That’s based on pollen counts and other factors.
While Louisville, Kentucky, is number one on the list, Kansas City is ranked 69th.
Now that we are heading into grass pollen season, get ready for more of the same as it, too, is expected to be more intense than usual.
