Pollen count hits early high, but rain could spell allergy relief

Atlanta reached 1,125 particles of pollen per cubic meter of air over the last 24 hours, the highest pollen count so far of 2019. Atlanta did not reach four-digit counts until March 25 of last year, according to Channel 2 Action News.

Atlanta reached 1,125 particles of pollen per cubic meter of air over the last 24 hours, the highest pollen count so far of 2019. Atlanta did not reach four-digit counts until March 25 of last year, according to Channel 2 Action News.

Sorry, allergy sufferers.

According to the organization that tracks daily pollen levels, today is Atlanta’s first 1,000-plus day of 2019.

Over the past 24 hours, Atlanta Allergy and Asthma recorded 1,125 particles of pollen per cubic meter of air in the city, up from 4 on Monday.

Atlanta did not reach four-digit counts until March 25 last year, Channel 2 Action News meteorologist Karen Minton said.

RELATED: Atlanta allergy season: Who counts pollen and how is it measured?

Just two weeks ago, the pollen count was at zero. High temperatures throughout the month of February have caused numbers to rise and allergy symptoms to flare, according to Channel 2. Before Tuesday, the highest count was recorded on Feb. 8 at 736 particles.

Stanley Fineman, a doctor at the allergy group, told the news station early trees, including juniper, elm, maple and alder, are causing those with allergies to seek help a few weeks earlier than normal. Heavy tree pollen is usually not seen until late March, he said.

Minton said Tuesday’s count, which is near the top of what is considered the high range, may not signal a long-term trend.

“The rain the next few days will help wash some of it out of the air,” she said.

RELATED: Sleet reported in parts of North Georgia

North Georgia is in the middle of a wet weather pattern, and it likely won’t break out until next week, according to Channel 2. There is at least a 40 percent chance of rain in the forecast through Sunday.

By then, Channel 2 predicts an additional 3 to 5 inches of rain could fall across the northern Atlanta suburbs, and 1 to 3 inches more could fall across the Southside.