High Pollen in Des Moines, IA

About pollen in Des Moines

Weed pollen is running high in Des Moines today, and it's the main driver of allergy discomfort in the area. Anyone sensitive to ragweed and similar late-season weeds should expect noticeable symptoms, especially outdoors during the afternoon when pollen tends to circulate most freely. Looking ahead, weed pollen is expected to ease markedly tomorrow before climbing back into the moderate-to-high range over the following days. This up-and-down pattern is typical for early fall, as ragweed continues to release pollen until the first hard frost arrives. Tree pollen, which comes mostly from oak, maple, and elm in this region, is dormant this time of year and won't factor in again until spring.

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).

Common questions

What is the pollen count in Des Moines, IA today?

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

Is weed pollen high in Des Moines, IA right now?

Weed 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 Des Moines, IA?

The main sources right now are Ragweed. Ragweed (Asteraceae (the daisy family), Late summer, fall) is actively pollinating.