Note: Hover over a line on the bar graph for more information such as PRS Value, Density, and Pollen Rating.
AbsentAbsentAbsentAbsent
LowLowLowAbsent
HighHighModerateAbsent
Absent0Absent0
Absent0
Thursday, March 13, 2025
0
0
0
Friday
3/14/2025
67
9
0
Saturday
3/15/2025
64
9
0
Sunday
3/16/2025
45
1
0
Monday
3/17/2025
0
0
0
0
0
0
Absent
Absent
Absent
Pollen Rating:
Absent
Predominante Type:
All Types - Equal
PRS related to Pollen Density (grains per cubic meter)
| Rating
|
PRS
|
Trees
Density
|
Grasses
Density
|
Weeds
Density
|
| Absent
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
| Low
|
1-25
|
1-14
|
1-4
|
1-9
|
| Moderate
|
26-50
|
15-89
|
5-19
|
10-49
|
| High
|
51-75
|
90-1499
|
20-199
|
50-499
|
| Very High
|
>=76
|
>=1500
|
>=200
|
>=500
|
These pollen density ranges are based upon the NAB Scale ranges suggested by the National Allergy Bureau
(NAB) of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI).
Discussion:
Sampler Malfunction: Due to a timer error, no sample data are available today.
Despite the sampler malfunction, tree pollen levels are likely in the HIGH range today as warmer temperatures have allowed tree pollen production to ramp up across the Triad. Skies are mostly cloudy today, resulting from a weak upper level disturbance moving eastward across the Carolinas. A backdoor front briefly moves in from the north overnight, but offshore high pressure should usher in a strong south to southwesterly flow that should quickly erode the boundary and warm, breezy winds should result in HIGH tree pollen for Friday. A strong upper level trough pushes east across the Central Plains into the eastern United States, becoming the focal point for a potential severe weather outbreak for the Deep South Saturday. The Triad should remain precipitation free most of Saturday to allow for tree pollen to remain HIGH until the main convective line moves through early Sunday to temporarily drop tree pollen to MODERATE Sunday afternoon. (Payne)
For more information contact:
Analysis and Monitoring Division, Pollen Monitoring Program
by telephone: (336) 703-2440
or email us.
Measuring and Forecasting Local Pollen Levels
Every weekday during our local pollen season, our Office measures the concentration
of pollen grains in the air. Our “Rotorod” pollen sampler is located at the Forsyth
County Government Center building in downtown Winston-Salem. Our pollen specialists
use a microscope to identify and count the pollen grains collected by the pollen
sampler.
We provide separate pollen counts and forecasts for tree, grass and weed pollen.
For each of these pollen types, the measured and forecast pollen counts are categorized
as being either ABSENT, LOW, MODERATE, HIGH or VERY HIGH on our 100 point Pollen
Rating Scale (PRS Scale). The actual measured pollen concentration or pollen density
is also reported as a certain number of pollen grains per cubic meter of air (grains/m3).
Daily weather can strongly influence pollen levels. On days that are hot, dry and
windy, pollen is dispersed in greater quantities and stays suspended in the air
longer. This increases the suffering of those allergic to the pollen. Rainy and
windless days tend to lessen the pollen distribution in the air and lessen the effect
of pollen on human health. Cold temperatures and frost also inhibit pollen production.
Our pollen forecasts are based on local weather forecasts combined with the pollination
activity of local plants.
Our pollen reports are posted each weekday afternoon on this website. The pollen
reports are also posted on Facebook and Twitter:
Our Typical Pollen Season
Our local pollen season normally begins when cedar first appears in response to
warming temperatures in February. Oak pollen peaks in April, resulting in the highest
pollen densities of the year. Maple, pine and birch pollen are also plentiful during
our tree pollen season which ends in early June. Grass pollen is most prominent
in May and continues into September. Weed pollen quantities increase throughout
May and into June. During July, overall pollen levels are usually low. Ragweed pollen
is very significant from late August through mid-September. The first hard frost
of autumn typically brings our pollen season to a close in late October. These trends
can be seen in the graph below.
For more detailed information about pollen and our pollen program, please read our
Pollen Brochure.
For more information contact:
Analysis and Monitoring Division, Pollen Monitoring Program
by telephone: (336) 703-2440
or email us.
Trees, grasses and weeds produce pollen as part of the natural process that leads
to new seed production.
Plants that disperse their pollen by wind typically have small, inconspicuous flowers,
shaped to maximize the release of pollen into the air. It is this airborne pollen
that causes allergy sufferers discomfort as it comes in contact with noses, throats,
and eyes.
The pollen from colorful showy flowers like tulips and roses is typically too heavy
and sticky to be carried well by the wind. Much of this pollen is spread from flower
to flower by bees and other insects. Pollen from these types of flowers do not cause
most pollen-related suffering.
Follow these tips to minimize your pollen allergy symptoms:
- Stay indoors when pollen counts are high or on dry breezy days when pollen is easily
carried by the wind.
- Keep car windows closed when driving.
- Keep windows in your home closed and use air conditioning to filter indoor air.
- Do not hang sheets or other laundry outside to dry because this will allow pollen
to accumulate on the fabric.
- Avoid mowing lawns because it can stir up pollen. If you must mow, wear an air filter
mask over your mouth and nose.
- If you do have been outside when pollen levels are bothersome, bath and wash your
hair before going to bed to avoid adding pollen to your bed sheets and pillow.
- Remember that pollen can accumulate on pet fur and your own clothing and be carried
inside your home. The frequent washing of pets and clothing can help reduce your
indoor pollen exposure.
- Discuss your allergy concerns and symptoms with your doctor to learn what medical
treatments may be most appropriate for your individual allergy problems.
Take a closer look at what might make you sneeze! Our Pollen Photo Gallery takes
you into the microscopic world of pollen.
The following images are from our daily pollen samples in Forsyth County. The photographs
were taken using a digital camera mounted on a microscope. There is a picture of
pollen from our most recent pollen sample as well as a gallery of some of our best
pollen images. Our best Pollen Pix represent excellent images of local pollen types
from various seasons of the year. In all of these pictures, the pollen grains appear
pinkish-red because they have been stained to make them easier to see under the
microscope. In Forsyth County, pollen grains range from 12-80 microns in diameter
which is less than the width of a typical human hair.
Daily Pollen Picture
Daily Pollen Picture
Pollen Examples
What is the Email Version of Our Pollen Report?
Each weekday afternoon during the pollen season, the Forsyth County Office of Environmental
Assistance and Protection emails the daily Pollen Report to all our Pollen Report
subscribers. Our local pollen season typically occurs from early February through
late October.
The Pollen Report indicates the day's pollen rating and predominant pollen type
(trees, grasses, or weeds). A pollen forecast for the next three days is also included
in the report. A typical report looks like the example shown below:
Subscribe to the Pollen Mailing List
How do I unsubscribe?
If you ever want to remove yourself from this mailing list, you can use the form above and select the Unsubscribe radio button.
There is also a link at the bottom of every email that will allow you unsubscribe from this mailing.
Pollen Report Also Available by FAX
We can also send you the daily pollen report by FAX. If you’d like to receive the
Daily Pollen Report by FAX or want to learn more about this distribution method,
please contact us:
For more information contact:
Analysis and Monitoring Division, Pollen Monitoring Program
by telephone: (336) 703-2440
or email us.
Hello World!
Our local pollen season normally begins in February when cedar pollen first appears in response to warming temperatures. Oak pollen peaks in April, resulting in the highest pollen densities of the year. Maple, pine and birch pollen are also plentiful
during our tree pollen season, which tapers off in early June. Grass pollen is most prominent in May and continues into September. Weed pollen quantities increase throughout May and into June. During July, pollen levels of all types are usually low.
Ragweed pollen is very significant from late August through mid-September. We also see a spike in tree pollen during this same period due to the non-native lacebark elm. The first hard frost of autumn typically ends our pollen season in late October.
Check out the graph showing historic pollen trends in the “Our Pollen Program” section.
Not everyone is affected by pollen. Most people with pollen allergies are only allergic to certain pollen types or species. For example, one person may be allergic to oak tree pollen, experiencing the worst symptoms in April, while another may be affected
in September by ragweed pollen. The severity of these allergies can also vary from person to person. Pollen grains that are wind-dispersed cause most allergy problems because they are small enough to make their way into our nasal passages and eyes. Pollens
from other plants, such as roses and tulips, are too big to be transported by the air alone. They depend on insects (bees, wasps, ants, beetles, butterflies, moths) and sometimes other animals (birds and bats) to carry the pollen from plant to plant.
The "minimize suffering" section of on our pollen webpage has some good tips to reduce exposure and resulting symptoms. The pollen counts that we provide in our reports could provide some clues of what you are allergic to, but it is recommended to get
tested by an allergy doctor to know for sure. If you are not bothered on very high oak days, but notice you have itchy eyes and a runny nose when grass is moderate and trees low, you could be allergic to grass pollen but not oak.
UNC Health provides a guide on over-the-counter medicines that may help, but some people with severe allergies may need immunotherapy (allergy shots). Contacting your primary
care physician is always a good step if you think you have pollen allergies.
To measure pollen levels, we use a "Rotorod" pollen sampler every weekday from 3:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. during our local pollen season, which typically starts in early February and ends in October or early November.
The sampler is located at the Forsyth County Government Center building in downtown Winston-Salem. The pollen sampler is equipped with a motor that rapidly spins a mechanism holding two sampling rods. As the device spins,
the spring-loaded rods swing out and come in contact with the air and with pollen in the air. This exposes the plastic rods to pollen during sampling but protects them while the sampler is at rest. The rods are coated with silicon
grease to trap the pollen grains. The pollen-laden rods are collected and stained pinkish red with "Calberla's Stain" so the pollen is easier to identify and count under a microscope. After the pollens are counted and identified, the
results are reported to the media, area physicians and the general public. The daily pollen count and forecast are also posted on our website:
https://www.forsyth.cc/eap/air_quality/pollen.aspx Facebook, and X. The pollen grains are identified as trees,
grasses or weeds. For each of these pollen types, the pollen concentration is categorized as being ABSENT, LOW, MODERATE, HIGH or VERY HIGH. We adopted this pollen reporting system from the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI).
Seasonal weather patterns affect how much pollen a plant produces. In addition, daily weather can strongly influence pollen levels. On days that are hot, dry and windy, pollen is dispersed in greater quantities and stays suspended in the air longer.
This increases the suffering of those allergic to the pollen; however, long periods without rain may lower pollen production overall. Rainy and windless days tend to reduce pollen distribution in the air and lessen the effect of pollen on human health.
Cold temperatures and frost also inhibit pollen production. Our pollen forecasts are based on local weather forecasts combined with the pollination activity of local plants.
The Weather Channel provides some more detailed information on how changes in temperatures, wind, precipitation, and humidity can affect pollen levels.
Seeking the advice of a medical professional and/or being tested for the flu, Covid-19, and allergies is the surest way to know the cause of symptoms and the best course of treatment. Allergies typically cause a runny nose, sneezing, itchy eyes, and/or sore throat.
Symptoms should stop soon after you are no longer exposed to the trigger. Unlike the flu, a cold, or Covid-19, pollen allergies are not contagious.
The National Institutes of Health
provides some helpful information along with a comparison chart of symptoms (headache, cough, sneezing, etc.) typical for someone with Covid-19, cold, flu, or allergies.
No—it is very unlikely that you are experiencing allergies to trees and other plants that produce big, showy flowers. These floral displays are to attract insects and other animal pollinators, whereas the flowers on wind-pollinated species are smaller,
more inconspicuous, and have no nectar or fragrance. The process of transferring pollen by bees, butterflies, beetles, etc. is more targeted and, therefore, these plants produce less pollen overall. Wind-pollinated species produce much more pollen to
make up for the lack of precision, and since they do not use insects to transfer the pollen, these lightweight pollen grains are released into the air, where they can be suspended for long periods of time and can travel great distances. Read
Insect Pollination vs. Wind Pollination for more information on how these two processes differ.
Yes—like us, our pets can suffer from pollen allergies. However, their symptoms may present differently than in humans. Confirming with a veterinarian is the best way to know what is bothering your pet and how to treat their symptoms.
Learn more about pollen or other allergies that could be affecting your
cat or
dog
by clicking on the respective links.