Tree Pollen Levels Climb Early as Temperatures Run 15 to 20 Degrees Above Normal

Temperatures have soared 15 to 20 degrees past what's typical. This spike is launching tree pollen into the air weeks ahead of schedule, catching allergy sufferers off guard.

Pink dogwoods are already budding. Weeks of unseasonable warmth have coaxed them out early, and other trees are following suit. Pollen counts are jumping faster than anyone anticipated.

According to WSOC-TV, tree pollen doesn't usually show up quite this early, but this year is different. The mercury keeps climbing, and those sensitive to allergens are feeling it now.

Over the past few weeks, pink dogwood trees have begun flowering as the thermometer refuses to drop. Sniffling starts. Sneezing follows. Eyes water without warning. What normally happens later has arrived on the doorstep weeks too soon, leaving many scrambling for tissues and antihistamines.

Pollen counts will keep rising. Forecasters predict temperatures will stay 15 to 20 degrees above what's normal through this week and into the next.

Spring allergies kick off when trees wake up in late February or early March. That's when the trouble begins for millions who dread this time of year.

Ragweed and grass pollen don't typically arrive until mid-April. Right now, trees are the main culprit behind the itchy eyes and runny noses plaguing the area.