Pollen returns to metro Atlanta

Tomorrow: Mostly sunny. High: 67

» For a detailed forecast, visit The Atlanta Journal-Constitution weather page.

Pollen that returned with a vengeance to metro Atlanta may get washed away in rain showers expected Tuesday morning.

The pollen count Monday hit 513 particles of pollen per cubic meter of air — the highest it’s been since March 2016 — according to Atlanta Allergy and Asthma.

While far short of last year's season high of 4,107 particles of pollen per cubic meter of air, the number is significant.

The pollen count this time last year was about 15.

Experts attribute the increase to unseasonably warm weather.

“Atlanta Allergy and Asthma’s board-certified physicians recommend that patients who have allergies should monitor the pollen counts and begin taking preventative medications, perhaps earlier than expected,” spokeswoman Rachel Cushing said in an emailed statement.

But pollen aside, the sunny afternoon weather is expected to move into clear skies overnight, according to Channel 2 Action News.

Current temps are 52 degrees in Atlanta, 38 in Blairsville and 46 in Griffin.

Atlanta surpassed the average high for this time of year, 56, by noon.