Could Drought Be Making U.S. Allergy Season Worse? Experts Call It “A Very Interesting Question”

Could droughts be worsening allergy season?

Much of the northeastern United States experienced a prolonged drought this year, and scientists and clinicians are investigating whether those dry conditions might be aggravating seasonal allergies. Reporting from Central Maine has focused attention on the state's lack of meaningful rain and the possibility that people with allergies could face worse symptoms as a result.

What researchers are observing

Andrea Nurse, a researcher at the University of Maine Climate Change Institute, explains that without rain to wash pollen from the air, pollen grains can remain airborne longer and travel farther. Combined with strong, dry winds common in droughts, this can stir up old dust and leftover plant pollen, potentially increasing respiratory irritation for susceptible people.

"It's a very interesting question that I've been trying to answer for 15 years," said Allison Steiner, head of the University of Michigan's climate department, to Central Maine. "I definitely think so, but right now we just have anecdotes. We don't have the data."

What the data show — and what we still don't know

Data from the U.S. Drought Monitor indicated that the entire state of Maine was in at least "moderate drought" by the end of October, with more than 90% of the state classified as in "severe drought." Drier plants and exposed soil can make pollen and dust easier to lift into the air, which may contribute to higher concentrations of airborne irritants.

However, clinicians caution that proving a direct, consistent link between drought conditions and worse allergy seasons is complex. Allergist Andrew Parker of Allergy and Asthma Associates of Maine notes there are "so many potential variables," including changes in human behavior (people spending more time outdoors, opening windows), variations in plant species and pollen production, and local weather patterns.

Why climate matters

Scientists point out that rising global temperatures alter precipitation patterns and the water cycle: warmer air can intensify evaporation and pull more moisture from soils and vegetation, increasing the likelihood of prolonged dry spells in some regions. This larger climate context is one reason researchers are studying how drought may affect airborne allergens.

What comes next

Researchers in Maine and elsewhere are continuing to collect and analyze long-term data to determine whether droughts consistently lead to more severe allergy seasons. Officials say it may take several more years of study to reach robust conclusions.

Practical advice and broader actions

While science catches up, there are practical steps individuals can take to reduce exposure and help limit future warming:

• Monitor local air quality and pollen forecasts on high-risk days.
• Keep windows closed during peak pollen times and use air purifiers or HVAC filters when possible.
• Limit outdoor activity on windy, dusty days and shower to remove pollen after being outside.
• Support and adopt measures that reduce greenhouse gas emissions—such as transitioning to renewable energy and improving home energy efficiency—which help address the root causes of climate-driven shifts in weather patterns over the long term.

Researchers emphasize that while the anecdotal links are compelling, robust, long-term data are needed to determine how strongly droughts influence allergy seasons. In the meantime, individuals and communities can take both immediate protective measures and long-term steps to mitigate climate change.