Moderate Pollen in Durham, NC

About pollen in Durham

Weed pollen is the main source of irritation in Durham today, sitting at a moderate level that could be noticeable for those who are sensitive. Tree pollen is quiet, with no activity to speak of, so any symptoms this week are likely coming from weeds rather than trees. Looking ahead, weed pollen is expected to remain a steady presence over the next several days, dipping slightly tomorrow before settling back into the moderate range through the rest of the week. This fits the seasonal pattern for mid-October, when ragweed and other late-season weeds tend to linger even as tree pollen stays dormant. Local trees like elm, maple, and cercis won't become a factor again until closer to spring, so for now weeds remain the one to watch.

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 2 to 3 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.