High Pollen in Austin, TX

About pollen in Austin

Pollen is running high across the board in Austin today, with both tree and weed pollen especially active and grass not far behind at a moderate level. Anyone with sensitivities should expect a fairly rough day, as this combination of high tree and weed counts tends to add up and make symptoms more noticeable than usual. The good news is that relief appears to be on the way. After today, levels for all three categories are expected to drop sharply and stay low for a couple of days before creeping back up slightly toward the end of the five-day stretch. This pattern fits the season: with fall underway, ragweed and other weeds are the main drivers of the current numbers rather than tree pollen, which typically peaks in spring when oaks, elms, and ash trees release their heaviest loads. Any lingering tree pollen this time of year is more likely tied to species like Celtis, or Ash producing lower-level, secondary activity rather than a true seasonal surge.

What to do today

• Avoid mowing the lawn and raking leaves.
• When driving the car, close your windows and turn the air conditioning system to recirculation mode.
• Keep your windows closed and turn on your air purifier or air conditioning.
• Consider staying indoors during the peak pollen hours (morning and early afternoon).

Tree map

Every dot is a tree near Austin, colored by how allergenic it is. Click one for its details, and zoom in for a closer look.

Top tree-pollen sources

The local tree genera behind today's pollen near Austin. Each bar is that genus's share of the tree pollen.

Meet the trees near you

Get to know the tree types growing around Austin: what each looks like, how allergenic it is, and when it blooms.

Southern live oak

Quercus virginiana

Allergenicity 4/4Blooms spring

Cedar elm

Ulmus crassifolia

Allergenicity 3/4Blooms spring

Shumard oak

Quercus shumardii

Allergenicity 4/4Blooms spring

Pecan

Carya illinoinensis

Allergenicity 3/4Blooms spring

Escarpment live oak

Quercus fusiformis

Allergenicity 4/4Blooms spring

American elm

Ulmus americana

Allergenicity 3/4Blooms spring

Texas ash

Fraxinus texensis

Allergenicity 4/4Blooms spring

Chinese elm

Ulmus parvifolia

Allergenicity 3/4Blooms spring

Sugarberry

Celtis laevigata

Allergenicity 3/4Blooms spring

Ornamental pear

Pyrus calleryana

Allergenicity 1/4Blooms spring

Bigtooth maple

Acer grandidentatum

Allergenicity 3/4Blooms spring

Monterey oak

Quercus polymorpha

Allergenicity 4/4Blooms spring

Chinquapin oak

Quercus muehlenbergii

Allergenicity 4/4Blooms spring

Mexican sycamore

Platanus mexicana

Allergenicity 4/4Blooms spring

Bradford pear

Pyrus calleryana

Allergenicity 1/4Blooms spring

White mulberry

Morus alba

Allergenicity 5/4Blooms spring

Common questions

What is the pollen count in Austin, TX today?

Austin, TX is at a high 4 out of 5 on the Universal Pollen Index today, driven mainly by tree pollen. Over the next five days it ranges from 1 to 4 of 5.

Is tree pollen high in Austin, TX right now?

Tree pollen is high today at 4 of 5, and it's in season now. Many allergy sufferers will have symptoms.

What plants are causing allergies in Austin, TX?

The main sources right now are Oak, Celtis, Elm, Ash, and Maple. Elm (Ulmaceae (the Elm family), Two distinct seasons, late winter to early spring, and late summer to fall (species dependent)) is actively pollinating.