High Pollen in Washington, DC

About pollen in Washington

Tree pollen is the main driver of today's conditions in Washington, and levels are high enough that sensitive individuals will likely notice symptoms through the day. Weed pollen is present but quiet, registering as a minor factor by comparison. Oak, maple, plane, elm, and celtis are the trees contributing most to the count, so anyone reactive to these species should expect a more irritating day than usual. The outlook calls for a quick turnaround, with tree pollen easing sharply tomorrow and staying low for the rest of the workweek. Weed pollen will hold steady at a mild level throughout the period, a reminder that we're moving into the stretch of summer when ragweed and other late-season weeds typically start to build. For mid-August, today's tree spike is a bit of an outlier rather than the norm, and condit

What to do today

• Pollen is high today; limit time outdoors, especially on dry, windy afternoons.
• Keep windows closed and use recirculated air indoors.
• Shower and change clothes soon after coming inside.
• Consider an over-the-counter antihistamine if you're prone to symptoms.

Tree map

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

Meet the trees near you

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

Red maple

Acer rubrum

Allergenicity 3/4Blooms spring

Willow oak

Quercus phellos

Allergenicity 4/4Blooms spring

American elm

Ulmus americana

Allergenicity 3/4Blooms spring

Cherry

Prunus

Allergenicity 1/4Blooms spring

Pin oak

Quercus palustris

Allergenicity 4/4Blooms spring

Red oak

Quercus rubra

Allergenicity 4/4Blooms spring

Chokecherry

Prunus virginiana

Allergenicity 1/4Blooms spring

Japanese zelkova

Zelkova serrata

Allergenicity 2/4Blooms spring

London plane tree

Platanus acerifolia

Allergenicity 4/4Blooms spring

American sycamore

Platanus occidentalis

Allergenicity 4/4Blooms spring

Swamp white oak

Quercus bicolor

Allergenicity 4/4Blooms spring

Okame cherry

Prunus L.

Allergenicity 1/4Blooms spring

Rotundiloba sweetgum

Liquidambar L.

Allergenicity 2/4Blooms spring

Kwanzan cherry

Prunus serrulata

Allergenicity 1/4Blooms spring

Maple

Acer

Allergenicity 3/4Blooms spring

Hedge maple

Acer campestre

Allergenicity 3/4Blooms spring

Common questions

What is the pollen count in Washington, DC today?

Washington, DC 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 Washington, DC right now?

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

What plants are causing allergies in Washington, DC?

The main sources right now are Oak, Maple, Plane, Elm, and Celtis.