Runny noses, tear-filled eyes, and difficulty in breathing are not only signs of crying due to an emotional outburst; they are also the symptoms of seasonal allergies. Close to fifty million individuals in the country suffer from seasonal allergies each year. This is caused by exaggerated immune responses to allergens in the air, the most common of which are pollen from trees, grass and weeds, mold, and even pet dander.

5 Cities with the Worst Seasonal Allergies

1. McAllen, Texas
Rated as the worst city for allergies in the spring of 2019, McAllen is not a great city for people who suffer from seasonal illnesses. On average, the city’s air pollution is measured at 120 µg/m3 PM 2.5 pollution for 24 hours. In both spring and fall, the heat and humidity encourage plants to shed more pollen, making sneezing and sniffling commonplace twice a year. The particulate matter does not help, making skin allergies more frequent as well.

2. Orlando, Florida
While not featured in all the lists for worst cities for allergies, Orlando is worth mentioning since its weather conditions are conducive for various allergies. Even though the population does not have a large percentage suffering from hay fever, the air is abound with dust mites and pollen. The humid, subtropical climate makes it easy for various trees like river birch, orange blossom, oak, and cypress to bloom and release pollen at different times of the year. Mold spores are present year-round and have two peak periods: from February to April and August to October.

3. Georgia, Atlanta
Sitting in the middle of Atlanta, Georgia has seen a substantial rise in pollen allergy sufferers in recent years. 28% of the population suffers from dust mite allergies. The increase in temperature throughout the year makes plants release pollen for a longer period and earlier than the typical spring season. The city’s famous flower trees, along with the wet winters, make it top most lists of US Spring Allergy Capitals.

4. Phoenix, Arizona
Phoenix, Arizona, is one of the ideal cities for ragweed allergies. Ragweed plants are soft-stemmed weeds that grow in regions with a lot of sunlight. These plants release pollen in the late spring and fall months. With the bright sun being a constant and the windy conditions in Arizona, Phoenix is conducive for the growth and spread of ragweed pollen throughout the year. The city also has other plants like tumbleweeds, bermudagrass and ryegrass, juniper, mulberry, and olive trees.

5. Jackson, Mississippi
In all known lists for worst cities for allergy sufferers, Jackson in Mississippi is one that that almost always gets mentioned. The city is humid and hot, perfect for the reproduction and spreading of allergy-causing pollen. Spring is always warm and dry, causing this city to have more pollen than most other cities in Mississippi. The percentage of allergy sufferers is also higher than in most other cities in the country.