JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Allergies in Northeast Florida are expected to be worse than usual this fall following summer drought conditions and a lack of tropical storms.
Health officials warn that dry weather has created optimal conditions for weed pollen to surge across Jacksonville.
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A lack of summer rain killed off area grass, allowing weeds to grow in its place throughout the region. Without regular precipitation or tropical weather systems to clear the air, pollen counts have elevated sharply.
Dr. Sunil Joshi, an allergist and Chief Health Officer for the City of Jacksonville, explained that summer dry spells directly impacted turf grass while allowing weeds to take over.
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“When it’s not raining, our grass dies,” Joshi said. “And what replaces the grass? A lot of times it’s the weeds that are replacing the grass.”
Joshi warned that the absence of seasonal rainfall has allowed pollen levels to spike across Jacksonville.
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“This fall, you should expect that the allergies will be worse,” Joshi said. “This time of the year, since we haven’t had the rain that we typically expect, we also have had relatively dry conditions here recently, weed pollen is much, much worse.”
Data from Pollen.com shows that ragweed and chenopods are currently the top allergens in Jacksonville. Ragweed typically pollinates around the same time each year, making early preventative measures essential for individuals sensitive to the plant.
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To manage symptoms before they start, Joshi advises residents to utilize preventative health measures both at home and on the road. “There are things you can do with over-the-counter medications,” Joshi said. “You can also keep your windows closed inside your house, keep the AC running, keep the windows up in your car.”
According to Pollen.com, ragweed and chenopods are currently the top allergens in Jacksonville.
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