Georgia braces for 'pollen explosion'

Experts say this week's cold snap could make things worse long term.

Cold weather led to drops in pollen this week.

But with metro Atlanta headed toward the 70s by the official start of spring on Monday, the warm-up could spark what doctors are calling a “pollen explosion,” according to Channel 2 Action News.

The pollen count increased to an extreme level Thursday, March 17, 2016 in Atlanta. JOHN SPINK/ JSPINK@AJC.COM

icon to expand image

"When the weather gets warmer,” Dr. Stanley Fineman said, “we'll see the plants pollinate more and, at that point, patients will likely have more trouble with their symptoms.”

That will likely happen toward the end of March and in April, he told the television station.

However, “we're instructing our patients who have pollen allergies to start their preventative medication now to make sure that they are controlled,” Fineman said.

Kayla Miller, 15, took that advice and went to Atlanta Allergy and Asthma in Marietta.

"I have asthma and allergies,” she told Channel 2. “And because of the allergies, my asthma is really bad.”

She had little to worry about Thursday.

The pollen count was a moderate 45 particles of pollen per cubic meter of air, according to Atlanta Allergy and Asthma.

However, the pollen count this time last year was 670, and last year’s season high was 4,107 particles of pollen per cubic meter of air.

A parked car at John Portman Blvd. and Peachtree Center Avenue reflects a pollinated view of the Atlanta skyline from the back window in April 2013. JOHN SPINK / JSPINK@AJC.COM

Credit: JOHN SPINK / AJC

icon to expand image

Credit: JOHN SPINK / AJC

In other news: