ORLANDO, Fla. – Lack of rain and a warm winter season have plagued Central Florida with an early rise in pollen counts.
Orlando was ranked the second-worst city for allergy sufferers Monday with pollen counts above 10 on a 12-point scale.
Recommended Videos
This week pollen levels will go down on Tuesday and Wednesday, but then peak again on Friday with 11.2.
"Peak pollen is typically in March, but we're already seeing numbers well above average," News 6 meteorologist Candace Campos said.
Central Florida experienced a wet summer, which hydrated all the plants, and then a warm dry winter didn't help clear the pollen, Campos said.
Rain helps clear out the air, and trees and cold temperatures help to alleviate high pollen too.
"Pollen season is starting early because the plants are confused," Campos said.
This winter Central Florida has had very little rain and the local foliage keeps producing pollen, expecting rain to wash it out.
Plants never had a hibernation period because of the above-average temperatures, so they are still in bloom.
At Leu Gardens, spring flowers are blooming a month early while tropical plants are also in full bloom because Central Florida never had a freeze.
"Our worst pollen producers are oaks," Campos said. "Because they are so tall you get wind that spreads that pollen."
The oak trees have been producing pollen, but the area hasn't received rain to wash the trees out.
If allergy sufferers would like to get results and take on the high pollen counts there are steps they can take.
Drivers should frequently hose down their cars, so the pollen doesn't get into their cars' air filters and into the air system.
Changing the air conditioning filter inside the house more often can help keep living spaces pollen-free.
Lastly, getting a humidifier for the home will help clean out the air.