Houston Pollen Count
Houston Pollen Count
Allergy season is here, and the Houston pollen count is off the charts. Whether you’re new to the city or a long-time resident, spring is sure to bring you a lot of itchy eyes, sneezing, and runny noses, all from a variety of pollen. Houston Pollen Count
Trees make up most of the Houston pollen count, with oak topping the list and pine coming in close behind. These trees produce a lot of pollen, which is why they are known to trigger itchy eyes and sneezing.
Grass, weed, and mold spores are less common. They are not an irritant to the nasal tract, but they can cause asthma and sinus symptoms.
Ragweed is a common fall allergen that can be especially difficult to deal with during hurricane season, which is when high winds stir up the pollen. Corry said people should monitor their ragweed counts using the daily pollen and mold spore reports from the Houston Health Department or other sources, such as AccuWeather.
When ragweed is a problem, it’s best to avoid areas with a high concentration of the plant, such as farms or riverbanks. Also, stay away from areas where mold spores are high, such as attics and neighborhoods with debris.
Outdoor activities are a great way to enjoy the spring weather, but you should be aware of the Houston pollen count before going outside. Many parks and green spaces have higher pollen counts than downtown, so you may want to avoid them if possible.
Some restaurants offer indoor seating during high pollen count days, so you can eat without being exposed to the outdoor elements. It’s best to check the daily pollen and mold spore counts before dining out so you can plan ahead.
Art is a great place to escape the outdoors, and there are plenty of local venues that feature great art in an indoor space. These can help you get through the allergy season and still be able to enjoy your favorite things.
For example, you can visit the Museum of Fine Arts Houston to see works by artists like Pablo Picasso or Andy Warhol. You can also take a tour of the Houston Arboretum & Nature Center to get in some exercise and breathe fresh air, all while avoiding the pollen that causes itchy eyes, sneezing, coughing, and runny noses.
You can also get a little creative at the Houston Botanical Gardens or Discovery Green, where you can enjoy photography classes and gardening workshops, among other activities. You can also go for a hike at the Houston Arboretum & Nature Center to enjoy the beautiful landscape, and if you’re up for it, you can even do some habitat hiking at the nearby Buffalo Bayou Park.
If you’re a foodie, you’ll love the array of delicious restaurants throughout Houston. You can even find some that are open to the public during high pollen count days, so you’ll be able to enjoy the atmosphere and the tasty food while staying healthy at the same time.