Pollen Levels Near Me

Your Pollen Pal gives you both the pollen count levels and weather forecasts in your local area when you enter your postal code. It can also give more detailed information about the types of pollen you can expect today and for the days ahead. You can even click on the pollen type to see the breakdown of allergens to give you a further idea of which pollen you may be sensitive to.

Pollen Forecasts

Your Pollen Pal will forecast pollen levels over the next 5 days in your current, or selected area, and break this down into Grass, Tree and Weed pollen levels to help you plan your next few days ahead in the great outdoors. Visit our types of pollen page to find out more about different pollen types and the impact they can have on allergy symptoms.

How Does Your Pollen Pal Work?

The pollen tracker pools data from various sources including but not limited to
 1. Local Pollen traps, where available.
 2. Weather data and other anthropogenic factors.
 3. Vegetation related data around your region

“With such levels of accuracy, we can predict the pollen count on your street for up to five days ahead.” Madhusudhan Anand, Co-Founder & CTO of Ambee

Pollen Levels

The following table shows the risk level for each type of pollen derived by applying NAB guidelines to our data and taking percentile values from the extended season for each type of pollen.

Severity of pollen is dictated by the PPM number, which stands for Pollen Grains Per Cubic Metre.

The weather and time of day can also be a big factor when it comes to how the pollen count can affect you. As pollen falls to the ground when the heat dissipates during the evening, this can mean your seasonal allergy symptoms get worse and is why many allergy sufferers have worse symptoms in the night.

On rainy days, you’ll find your allergy symptoms are easier to manage as rain tends to wash pollen away.

What is Pollen?

Pollen is a light airborne dust that acts as a fertilizing agent for various plants. Trees, flowers, grass, and weeds all produce pollen, especially during the spring and summer months.

What are Pollen Count Allergy Symptoms?

It’s not uncommon to think you’ve caught a cold or flu when you actually have allergies. Sometimes referred as hay fever, tree pollen allergies may cause these symptoms: nasal congestion; sinus pressure; runny nose; itchy, watery, red eyes; coughing; scratchy throat; postnasal drip; and fatigue¹.

What is the Pollen Count?

Similar to how the Air Quality Health Index measures pollution in the air, the pollen count is the measure of how much pollen is in the air on a given day. This information is gathered from reporting stations across the country to provide accurate local pollen readings.

Can Higher Levels of Air Pollution Make Pollen Allergies Worse?

In a word, yes. A study presented at the 249th National Meeting & Exposition of the American Chemical Society (ACS) reported that a pair of air pollutants linked to climate change interact with certain pollens resulting in a change at a chemical level which increases the pollen’s potency. This in turn provokes a more powerful immune response from allergy sufferers.³

At What Time of Day is Pollen Count Highest?

Pollen counts are highest on dry, windy days and lower after rainfall or at night – and usually peak between 5 a.m. and 10 a.m. and again at dusk, so avoid these times if you plan to be outdoors. If you plan to exercise outside during allergy season, consider wearing a face mask designed to filter out pollens. As soon as you get home, rinse out your nose with saline or ask your doctor about nose sprays to provide relief.

A tree pollen level above 50 is considered high, while one to 10 is considered low. Be sure to check your local pollen count before venturing outside and plan accordingly.

What to do if the Pollen Count is High?

 1. Kleenex® Ultra Facial Tissues

When the pollen count is high, you’ll want to ensure you have Canada's softest tissues around your home to comfort your nose. Made for extra comfort, our 3-layer Kleenex® Ultra facial tissues provide unbeatable softness (vs. leading national ultra brands) for when only the softest touch will do -- perfect for soothing your nose every time you need relief. Keep a box of Kleenex® Ultra facial tissues in the kitchen, living room, office, bathroom, bedroom and guest room to make sure the softest comfort for your nose is always at arm’s reach.

 2. Carry a Kleenex® On-The-Go Facial Tissues Pocket Pack

You never know when the pollen count will suddenly rise. That’s why it’s a good idea to always keep a Kleenex® On-The-Go Pocket Facial Tissues Pack on-hand to provide immediate relief. These convenient tissue packs are made of 3-layers to comfort your face and help protect hands. Tuck them in your purse, diaper bag, gym bag, or in the car so the comfort and superior softness of a Kleenex® facial tissue is always within reach.

 3. Use an Antihistamine

“Allergies” are the result of releasing a substance called histamine. This occurs because your body’s immune system mistakes pollen and other allergens as a threat and overreacts in an attempt to protect itself. Antihistamines are designed to help alleviate allergy symptoms by blocking your body’s release of histamine, thus preventing the symptoms. Check with your doctor or healthcare provider to see if an antihistamine would work for you.

 4. Stay Inside

If the pollen count is too high, it might be wise to stay indoors in a climate-controlled environment. This way, you can limit your exposure to the airborne allergens and save yourself from the discomfort of a reaction.

 5. Wash it off

Pollen has a tendency to attach itself to your hair and skin. Try taking a shower at night before going to bed so you can wash the pollen off of your body and help avoid waking up congested.

With Kleenex® facial tissues, you can face allergy season head on!

Sources:

1. https://www.besthealthmag.ca/best-you/allergies/survive-allergy-season-canada/
2. https://www.reactine.ca/allergy-guide/outdoor-allergies/canadian-tree-pollen-allergy-guide
3. https://www.newswise.com/articles/air-pollutants-could-boost-potency-of-common-airborne-allergens
4. https://www.webmd.com/allergies/allergies-and-exercising-outside#1