BOISE, Idaho — The heavy rain expected Friday is going to knock down the pollen count, but it won't last for long. Pine pollen is hitting the valley hard. Dry, itchy eyes, sneezing and runny noses are all a result.
While rain does tend to knock down the pollen in the short run, it fuels plans to provide more. And overall, doctors say this year is already worse than most.
"We had a very moist year. I think that really helps with the pollen production, and then there's the phenomena of climate change or global warming with more CO2 in the atmosphere. It allows for a much longer pollen season as well as greater pollen production," said Michael Keiley, a MD board certified allergist.
Pine tree pollen is larger, so you can see it in the air. Grass pollen is starting to ramp up now as well.
