Allergies will flare up during Fort Worth heatwave. These tips can help with symptoms

Dalia Faheid
·2 min read

Imminent summer heat may make allergies worse in Dallas–Fort Worth–Arlington, which is ranked as the second worst metropolitan statistical area in the U.S. for allergies.

A heat wave starting mid-week could circulate mold spores and pollen, making seasonal allergies worse, per Aspire Allergy & Sinus.

“When the air is warmer and more humid, it becomes easy for allergens to float from anywhere inside or outside your home,” the allergy clinic writes on its website. “This includes common places like flower beds and lawns but also grasses, weeds, trees, and any plants nearby.”

Because most grasses pollinate in the heat, grass pollen is in the air and grass allergies peak during the summer. Some insects, especially cockroaches, become more abundant in the summer, with its feces, saliva and shedding body parts triggering allergies. The summer humidity and going out to lakes, swimming holes and pools can cause excess moisture in the air, creating mold.

How bad are allergies in Dallas-Fort Worth?

DFW received an allergy score of 87.26 in the 2023 Allergy Capitals report, higher than the average of 71.49. Rankings for tree, grass and weed pollen as well as over-the-counter medication use were worse than average, and the number of allergy specialists was average.

In 2022, DFW had the highest sum of high (90-1,499 grains per cubic meter) and very high (1,500+ grains per cubic meter) days for tree pollen. Tree pollen was detected as early as December and peaked in March and April. DFW ranked second for tree pollen, fourth for grass pollen and 26th for weed pollen.

What allergens affect Texans?

Tree pollen from ash, elm, pine, oak, pecan, hickory, poplar and walnut trees is responsible for many spring allergies, peaking from February to June, according to Children’s Health. Grass pollen peaks in the summer between March and September. Mold allergies are worst in the late summer during July and August. Ragweed season lasts for four months in Texas, from August to November. Cedar fever peaks from December to February.

And climate change may be worsening pollen allergy seasons, experts say. Trees and plants like ragweed are producing pollen sooner and lasting longer because warmer weather is starting earlier in the year.

Tips to minimize allergy symptoms

During allergy season, use these tips from Children’s Health to help:

  • Stay inside when it’s dry and windy.

  • Avoid yard work if allergies are flared up.

  • Wash clothes and bathe after being outside.

  • Keep doors and windows closed.

  • Use a HEPA filter.

  • Vacuum often.

  • Flush sinuses with nasal rinse.