Moderate Pollen in Durham, NC

About pollen in Durham

Weed pollen is the main concern in Durham today, sitting at a moderate level that sensitive individuals will likely notice. Grass is contributing only lightly to the mix, and tree pollen is barely registering at this point in the year, so overall the day leans toward mild to moderate irritation for those who react most strongly to ragweed and similar late-season weeds. Looking ahead, weed pollen is expected to climb over the next couple of days before easing back toward the end of the stretch, so those with weed sensitivities may want to be a bit more mindful midweek. Grass should stay fairly steady at a low level, and tree pollen is likely to remain minimal, which fits the season — local trees like elm, maple, and Lagerstroemia are well past their spring peak. This time of year in the Piedmont is really ragweed's stretch, so its ups and downs will continue to drive most of the day-to-day change through early fall.

What to do today

• It's important to shower and wash your hair after spending a lot of time outdoors.
• When spending time outside, use sunglasses and a cap to keep pollen out of your face and eyes.
• Wash clothes worn outdoors to remove any remnants of pollen grains.
• If possible, wear glasses instead of contact lenses.
• Did you hang any laundry outside? Now is a good time to hang clothes indoors or use a dryer if possible.

Tree map

Every dot is a tree near Durham, 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 Durham. Each bar is that genus's share of the tree pollen.

Meet the trees near you

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

Willow oak

Quercus phellos

Allergenicity 4/4Blooms spring

Trident maple

Acer buergerianum

Allergenicity 3/4Blooms spring

Red maple

Acer rubrum

Allergenicity 3/4Blooms spring

Chinese elm

Ulmus parvifolia

Allergenicity 3/4Blooms spring

Loblolly pine

Pinus taeda

Allergenicity 1/4Blooms spring

American elm

Ulmus americana

Allergenicity 3/4Blooms spring

Callery pear

Pyrus calleryana

Allergenicity 1/4Blooms spring

Swamp white oak

Quercus bicolor

Allergenicity 4/4Blooms spring

Japanese zelkova

Zelkova serrata

Allergenicity 2/4Blooms spring

Overcup oak

Quercus lyrata

Allergenicity 4/4Blooms spring

Shantung maple

Acer truncatum

Allergenicity 3/4Blooms spring

Cherry

Prunus

Allergenicity 1/4Blooms spring

Scarlet oak

Quercus coccinea

Allergenicity 4/4Blooms spring

Ginkgo

Ginkgo biloba

Allergenicity 1/4Blooms spring

Sweetgum

Liquidambar styraciflua

Allergenicity 2/4Blooms spring

Eastern red cedar

Juniperus virginiana

Allergenicity 5/4Blooms winter,spring

Common questions

What is the pollen count in Durham, NC today?

Durham, NC is at a moderate 3 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 Durham, NC right now?

Weed pollen is moderate today at 3 of 5, and it's in season now. Sensitive people may notice symptoms.

What plants are causing allergies in Durham, NC?

The main sources right now are Elm, Ginkgo, Maple, Lagerstroemia, and Cercis. Ragweed (Asteraceae (the daisy family), Late summer, fall) is actively pollinating.