Moderate Pollen in Washington, DC

About pollen in Washington

Weed pollen is the main driver of today's conditions in Washington, DC, 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 sneezing or congestion you notice is most likely tied to weeds rather than trees this time of year. Looking ahead, weed pollen should hold at a similar moderate level for the next day or so before easing toward the lower end of the scale later in the week. This pattern fits the season well, as fall is typically when weed pollen, including ragweed, lingers before tapering off with cooler weather. Tree pollen is expected to stay absent through the forecast period, which makes sense given that local trees like Zelkova, Linden, Liquidambar, Celtis, and Elm won't become active again until spring.

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 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 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 3 of 5.

Is weed pollen high in Washington, DC right now?

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

What plants are causing allergies in Washington, DC?

The main sources right now are Zelkova, Linden, Liquidambar, Celtis, and Elm.