The Culprits: Spring Allergy Season in Arizona

I always feel like I'm suffering from allergies. The only real question is, to what degree? On a scale from 1 to 10, my sinuses are screaming at around an 11 right now. The spring flowers and pollen are collaborating to make my nose run and my eyes blurry. And this is with a daily regimen of non-drowsy antihistamines and decongestants.

If you're suffering as I am, here are some tips to make things a little better.

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A Prickly Pear Cactus in Bloom | Val Davidson/TSM

When Are the Best and Worst Times to Step Outside?

You might want to consider timing your outdoor excursions. According to Helio.com, it's best to avoid early mornings and breezy evenings right now.

Tree pollen levels in Southeastern Arizona have been running very high, especially around sunrise and again near dusk. That's when pollen tends to lift and settle in the air. Local pollen reports consistently show very high tree pollen, while grass and weed pollen remain low.

If you need to get outside, your best bet is late morning to mid‑afternoon; it's typically the safest window if you're trying to cut down your allergy load. Pollen counts usually go down a little when the sun is higher and the air warms up. This isn't a perfect solution; if you’re really sensitive, your allergies may still be triggered.

What’s Blooming and Triggering Allergies Right Now?

In the Arizona spring, our trees are the main offenders when it comes to allergies. According to allergy specialists, tree pollen has been increasing in both duration and concentration across the U.S., driven by warmer temperatures and longer growing seasons.

Palo Verde Tree in Bloom | Val Davidson/TSM

Some of Arizona's most common allergens include:

Mesquite
Palo Verde
Cottonwood
Ash
Mulberry

These species thrive in desert climates and release heavy bursts of pollen in early to mid‑spring, which is exactly what we’re dealing with now.

A mesquite tree and the pollen.| Val Davidson/TSM

Why Have We Been Getting Air Quality Alerts?

The flying pollen is bad enough, but I keep getting air quality alerts, reminiscent of living in the big city. The ADEQ recently reported days of hazy skies and breathing irritation, advising allergy sufferers to stay indoors whenever possible.

The alerts were issued in response to wind, dust, and high particulate matter levels.

The air quality on a windy day in Arizona | Val Davidson/TSM

AirNow data shows that spring often brings elevated PM levels (tiny particles from dust and pollution) across Arizona. These particles irritate the respiratory system, and when combined with high pollen, they create a perfect storm for allergy sufferers.

If you'd like to see a real-time air quality map, check out this map from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

How Much Longer Will The Suffering Continue?

According to Allermi.com, we're almost through the worst of the season, as we make our way through April. Just a few more weeks, and the allergy season should die down for a little while.

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