Spring has arrived, and so has allergy season. For more than 100 million Americans, that’s months of sneezing, watery eyes, and congestion. This year, allergy patients in some cities are in for a particularly brutal ride.
Which Cities Are Bothered the Most?
Wichita, Kansas, is the worst city for allergies—year after year, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. New Orleans made the largest leap, from 34th to 2nd position, reportedly because of severe weather conditions such as Hurricane Francine and record temperatures in late 2024.
Other of the top five cities are:
✔ Oklahoma City, OK
✔ Tulsa, OK
✔ Memphis, TN
Warmth and more moisture have lengthened pollen seasons, especially in the South and East, and made allergies even more intolerable.
Pollen Rises and Global Warming
Specialists assert that allergy seasons are worsening as a result of global warming. Pollen production is on the rise because of shifting weather patterns and increasing temperatures. After years of heavy rain in 2024, which promoted the development of grass and weeds, California cities such as Sacramento and Bakersfield experienced a rise in their allergy rankings.
How to Control Allergy Symptoms ?
If your city is towards the top of the allergy list, don’t worry. Allergy experts advise:
- Monitoring pollen counts every day before going outside
- Showering and swapping clothes after outdoor activity
- Taking allergy medicine early in advance of peak pollen times
With a little advance planning, allergy sufferers can still have fun in the spring!
