Sneezing This Season? Weed Pollen Might Be the Reason

AAFA highlights start of fall allergy season, offers tips for dealing with symptoms

Washington, DC, Aug. 13, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The end of summer often means preparing for kids to go back to school, thoughts of cooler days and nights ahead, and the start of weed pollen season! Three primary pollens (tree, grass, and weed) contribute to seasonal pollen allergies. Tree pollen is most prominent in early spring, grass pollen season runs from late spring into summer, and weed pollen season starts in late summer and runs until the first frost.

About 1 in 7 people in the U.S. are allergic to ragweed pollen. Many others are allergic to different common weeds that thrive in late summer and into fall. For people with both grass and weed pollen allergies, this time of year can be particularly challenging. 

“If you have weed pollen allergy, now is the time to start taking your allergy medications and preparing to manage your symptoms,” said Kenneth Mendez, president and CEO of the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA). “Some people associate allergies with springtime but there’s a fall allergy season, too, primarily because of weeds. The fall allergy season lasts until the first cold weather frost which stops weeds from pollinating. Depending on when the first fall frost arrives in your area, you could see several weeks or even months of exposure to weed pollen. Our research shows warmer temperatures due to climate change extend the weed pollen season, meaning a longer, more intense period of symptoms for people allergic to ragweed and other weed pollen.”

In addition to ragweed, other common weeds contributing to fall pollen season include: burning bush, cocklebur, lamb’s quarters, mugwort, pigweed, Russian thistle, sagebrush, and tumbleweed. 

Watch for Weed Pollen Allergy Symptoms

Symptoms of weed pollen allergy may be similar to those of respiratory infections and may include:  

• Runny nose (also known as rhinorrhea – this is typically a clear, thin nasal discharge) 
• Stuffy nose (due to blockage or nasal congestion – one of the most common and troublesome symptoms) 
• Postnasal drip (mucus runs from the back of your nose down your throat) 
• Sneezing (can be repetitive and severe in some cases) 
• Itchy nose, eyes, ears, and mouth 
• Red and watery eyes 
• Swelling around the eyes 
• Moody and irritable 
• Tired 
• Disturbed sleep 

Weed pollen season overlaps with back-to-school season and the annual rise in respiratory infections including flu, COVID-19, RSV, and colds.  A telltale sign that distinguishes allergy symptoms from respiratory infection is itchiness – itchy eyes, itchy nose. AAFA’s Respiratory Symptoms chart reflects the differences between seasonal allergies, respiratory infections, and asthma.  

Tips for Living in a Top City for Weed Pollen

AAFA’s 2026 Allergy Capitals® Report analyzes the most challenging places to live in with allergies. Based on data from the 2026 report, the 10 cities where residents experience the greatest exposure to weed pollen (primary weed pollens listed) are:  

1. San Diego, CA ragweed, sagebrush 

2. Salt Lake City, UT ragweed, sagebrush, mugwort

3. Ogden, UT ragweed, mugwort

4. Spokane, WA ragweed, mugwort

5. San Francisco, CA ragweed

6. Knoxville, TN ragweed

7. Raleigh, NC ragweed

8. Provo, UT ragweed, mugwort, sagebrush

9. Atlanta, GA ragweed

10. Winston-Salem, NC ragweed

“This list makes clear that weed pollen season impacts people in the United States from coast to coast,” said AAFA Chief Mission Officer Melanie Carver. “For people with multiple pollen allergies, symptoms can be present nearly year-round due to an earlier start to tree pollen season and a longer-lasting weed pollen season.” 

AAFA’s report offers tips and suggestions for managing pollen allergy symptoms, including:  

1. Track the pollen count for your area. The news media often reports the count for your area, especially when pollen is high. You also can get your area’s pollen counts from the National Allergy Bureau or apps like Pollen Wise. 

2. Stay indoors with windows closed when the pollen counts are high, if possible. Get a Certified Asthma & Allergy Friendly® air filter for your air conditioner or HVAC system, or use a portable air cleaner in the room where you spend the most time (often a bedroom).

3. Prevent pollen from being tracked into your home. If you spend a lot of time outside during peak pollen time: 

1. • Take your shoes off before entering your home 
   • Don’t wear your “outside” clothes to bed 
   • Cover your hair when outside or wash it at night 
   • Wipe off pets before they enter your home 
   • Shower when you get home after being outside for a long period of time. 

4. Take allergy medicines daily (ideally starting treatment before your weed pollen season starts). Seek care from a board-certified allergist-immunologist specialist to help determine if you should be tested for weed or other pollen allergy and determine a care plan if this is confirmed.  Find out what time of year the pollen you’re allergic to starts to appear in your area so you can start allergy treatment at least two weeks before pollen season begins. Many over-the-counter medicines work well to control pollen allergy symptoms. They can also help eye, nose, and airway symptoms. Nasal rinses, corticosteroid nasal sprays and non-drowsy antihistamines are effective at controlling allergy symptoms. AAFA’s Allergy Medicine Guide explains the various options.  

5.  Talk with an allergist about immunotherapy. There are two types: allergy shots and sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT). This type of treatment may help give you long-term relief. If you have allergic asthma, your Asthma Action Plan may include some of these allergy treatments to help you keep your asthma under control. These therapies are prescribed and monitored by board-certified allergist-immunologists. 

For more information on weed pollen allergy, allergy symptom management, and the impact of climate change on seasonal allergies, visit allergycapitals.org. 

Press Contact: 
Andy Spears 
Senior Public Relations Manager 
Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) 
media@aafa.org 

About the Research

The 2026 Allergy Capitals® research and ranking is reported by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA). The ranking is based on analysis of data from the 100 most-populated Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSAs) in the contiguous 48 states as determined by the most recent U.S. Census Bureau population estimates (2024). The individual factors analyzed for the 2026 rankings are pollen scores for tree, grass, and weed pollen, over-the-counter medication use (allergy), and number of allergy specialists.

For each factor, AAFA used the most recently available 12-month data. Weights are applied to each factor; factors are not weighted equally. Total scores are calculated as a composite of all four factors, and cities are ranked from highest total score (city rank #1) to lowest total score (city rank #100). Cities are assigned icons for ■ worse than average, ▲ average, and ● better than average. Icons were assigned based on 0.5 standard deviation from the average.

About AAFA

Founded in 1953, AAFA is the oldest and largest non-profit patient organization dedicated to saving lives and improving the quality of life for people affected by asthma and allergic diseases through support, advocacy, education, and research. AAFA offers extensive support for individuals and families affected by asthma and allergic diseases, such as food allergies and atopic dermatitis (eczema). Through its online patient support communities, network of regional chapters, and collaborations with community-based groups, AAFA empowers patients and their families by providing practical, evidence-based information and community programs and services. AAFA is the first asthma and allergy patient advocacy group certified to meet the standards of excellence set by the National Health Council. For more information, visit: aafa.org and kidswithfoodallergies.org

Attachments

• Weed Pollen Season!
• Ragweed pollen is a common allergen

Andy Spears
Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America
2029741223
aspears@aafa.org