Spring in Lubbock means warmer days, windy weather, and, yup, allergy season. If you deal with itchy eyes, sneezing, or congestion every year, the coming months could bring another challenging stretch.

Meteorologists say pollen season is already ramping up in parts of the southern United States, and allergy levels are expected to increase as spring temperatures rise.

Here is what allergy sufferers in Lubbock can expect this spring.

Read More: Spring Is Coming: Here’s A Look At Common Lubbock Allergens

Tree Pollen Kicks Off Spring Allergy Season

Across Texas, the first major allergy trigger each year is tree pollen. Oak, elm, and ash trees release large amounts of pollen between March and May, making early spring one of the toughest times for people with seasonal allergies. Lubbock has plenty of oak trees, but what always gets me is the dang dogwoods!

These pollens can spread through the air quickly, especially on windy days, and can travel easily across the region. This combination of pollen and wind can make symptoms feel especially intense on dry days.

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Grass Pollen Arrives Later In The Season

While tree pollen dominates early spring, grass pollen usually becomes the main trigger later in the season. In West Texas, common grasses like Bermuda, Timothy, and Rye release pollen during late spring and early summer.

For many people, this means allergy symptoms may actually get worse as May approaches, especially if rainfall encourages grass growth.

Wind And Dust Make Lubbock Allergies Worse

Even beyond pollen, Lubbock’s climate can make allergies harder to manage.

Spring in the South Plains often brings strong winds that stir up dust from nearby fields. These winds can carry both pollen and dust particles long distances, aggravating allergy symptoms. Sometimes the dust can be just as irritating as pollen itself.

When Allergy Season Could Peak

Experts say several factors will determine how severe the allergy season becomes this year. Temperature swings, rainfall, wind, and even late freezes can affect how much pollen is released into the air.

Tree pollen typically peaks in March and April, while grass pollen becomes more common by late spring and early summer.

If spring stays warm and breezy, allergy levels across West Texas could rise quickly, and you may want to keep your favorite allergy meds in stock.

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Gallery Credit: Renee Raven