It's not just your imagination: Allergies really have been more severe this year. Experts chalk this up to a variety of factors, including higher pollen counts in many parts of the country. According to the Salt Lake Tribune, Americans in the western states suffered when mold and other allergens flourished in the hot weather, and drought conditions meant that the pollen could spread freely without rain to control it.
In the Midwest, warmer weather in some areas has allowed ragweed to flourish, according to WEAU News.
And according to Axios, city dwellers are suffering because of the disproportionate numbers of male trees planted in urban areas. Cities prefer to plant the less messy male trees, which do not produce seed pods or fruit. But without female trees, which capture pollen, the pollen-releasing male trees can send local pollen counts skyrocketing.
Rick Good spent ten years in the newspaper business, including with The News & Observer (Raleigh, NC) and The Greenville News (Greenville, SC). He co-wrote, with Melinda Coleman, Rutledge to Riley: Governors of South Carolina, 1776–Present (Published by The Greenville News), and is the author of Mind Games Trivia #1 (Amazon). He has recently spent 15 years creating original trivia content through Sounds Good Mobile Entertainment and continues that with his new company, SGME Software. He edits The Smart Reader’s money, real estate, and business coverage.
