Record-setting pollen count in Atlanta Special

Atlanta - It's bad news for allergy sufferers in Atlanta as the pollen count reached record highs this past Monday. The original record was set in 1999 at 6,103 particles per cubic meter.

Monday’s record breaker was 8,164. With Mulberry, Oak and Birch blooming all over the area, Tuesday’s count was a dangerous 9,369! The standards for pollen counts indicate anything over 1500 to be ‘extremely high’. Atlanta is known for its beautiful trees and landscape. But when Spring arrives, so does sniffling, sneezing and watering eyes. Even people who aren’t allergy prone are feeling it this week. Along with the record breaking pollen count is a record breaking heat wave. This is the 6th straight day over 80 degrees. The last time it was that hot in March for 5 consecutive days was in 1907. Over the counter allergy medicine and boxes of tissue are the standard counter measure. Children, the elderly and even dogs and cats are at risk as the air quality is at an all time low. There is a dusty yellow haze covering the streets, yards and cars. It is unpleasant to jog or do yard work. In fact, don’t go outside. You can hose your car down but it will be covered again in no time. You track it in the house on your shoes and on your clothes. It is impossible to get away from. Only rain will help. The weather forecast has a chance of rain for the weekend. But this city hasn’t even begun to bloom! Grass, weeds and flower pollen is up next.

ugardner

Atlanta home in the Spring

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Atlanta is quite beautiful in the Spring. But for now, I will enjoy my view of the azaleas and dogwoods from inside.