Why Are Pollen Counts High in Summer — Even Without Rain?
If you’re sneezing, congested, or dealing with itchy eyes during a hot, dry Texas summer — you’re not alone. Many are surprised to learn that pollen counts can stay high all summer, even when there’s barely been a drop of rain.
Summer Allergies Come from Grasses and Weeds
Spring may get all the attention when it comes to allergies, but summer is just as active — it’s just a different group of plants.
During the summer, pollen comes primarily from
- Grasses (like Bermuda grass, Timothy grass, Johnson grass)
- Weeds (like plantain and ragweed)
These plants are hardy and drought-resistant. They don’t need regular rain to thrive, and they continue producing pollen throughout the hot summer months.
Why Dry, Hot Days Can Be the Worst
You might expect allergies to be worse in rainy weather, but dry days can actually make things worse for allergy sufferers
- Wind helps pollen travel far and wide.
- Sun and heat stimulate many grasses and weeds to release more pollen.
- Dry air allows pollen to stay suspended longer — making it easier to inhale.
A quick summer storm may rinse pollen out of the air temporarily, but once the rain stops, plant growth can rebound — often leading to a spike in pollen just days later.
What About Rain? Does It Help?
Yes but only temporarily!
Right after a rain, pollen levels usually drop. But that relief is short-lived. Rain helps plants grow, which means more pollen in the days ahead. This is especially true in North Texas, where many allergy-triggering weeds thrive in warm, post-rain conditions.
Tips for Surviving Summer Allergy Season
Here’s what we recommend to help manage summer allergies:
- Check pollen forecasts daily. Avoid outdoor activity on high-pollen days.
- Change clothes and shower after spending time outdoors.
- Keep windows closed, especially in the early morning.
- Vacuum and dust regularly to reduce pollen indoors.
- Consider allergy testing and treatment to address the root cause.
