Fall Allergy Season Intensifies Across US

AccuWeather's 2026 fall allergy forecast indicates an extended and more severe pollen season, with elevated weed pollen levels expected to persist into October across significant portions of the United States. The Southeast and southern Rocky Mountains regions are projected to experience the highest concentrations of weed pollen. Specific cities identified as being in the "hot zone" for these high pollen levels include Raleigh, North Carolina; Nashville, Tennessee; Atlanta, Georgia; Denver, Colorado; and Albuquerque, New Mexico. While grass pollen typically declines in late summer and early autumn, the forecast suggests that warm and moist atmospheric conditions could sustain high grass pollen counts in parts of the East and Midwest. This includes metropolitan areas such as New York City, Philadelphia, Detroit, and Chicago. The prolonged and intensified pollen season necessitates proactive measures for homeowners to manage indoor air quality and mitigate allergy symptoms. Brian White, commercial president at Accurate Heating, Cooling, and Plumbing in Lancaster, Ohio, emphasizes that once pollen infiltrates a home, it can recirculate through the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system, particularly if the filtration is inadequate. He advises homeowners to increase their attention to indoor air quality to combat this issue. For individuals sensitive to grass pollen, preparation should commence immediately if residing in the Upper East region. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has previously reported that indoor air can be two to five times more polluted than outdoor air, a situation that can be exacerbated when heating systems are activated. Dr. Clifford W. Bassett, founder of Allergy and Asthma Care of New York, now affiliated with Schweiger Dermatology Group in New York City, highlights that the home environment is a controllable space for improving air quality. He recommends implementing strategies to create a healthier indoor environment that effectively blocks pollen and supports the well-being of household members. Key recommendations for allergy-proofing a home include keeping windows closed, operating air conditioning systems, and showering and changing clothes promptly upon returning indoors. These steps are crucial for minimizing the introduction and circulation of allergens within the living space, thereby reducing exposure and potential allergic reactions during the extended fall pollen season.