Get Ready for High Levels

Residents of southwestern British Columbia, prepare for an intense pollen season starting this weekend. Colder temperatures have delayed the usual late January start, but now, with warmer weather approaching, pollen levels are expected to surge.

Daniel Coates, director of Ottawa-based Aerobiology Research Laboratories, predicts a significant spike in pollen starting this weekend and continuing for several weeks. He attributes this to the warmth triggering a rapid increase in airborne allergens.

Cedar pollen will be at "very high" levels starting this weekend and through Monday. Alder, hazel, and elm pollen will also reach high levels in the next week or two. These pollen types are known to cause allergy symptoms like stuffy nose, coughing, and sneezing.

While this is a late start for pollen season in B.C., it's still earlier than in other parts of Canada, where pollen season typically begins in mid- to late March.

Coates emphasizes that pollen levels in Canada have increased over the past 30 years due to global climate change, resulting in a more prolonged pollen season.

Clean nasal passages with water.

Wear sunglasses outdoors to keep pollen out of your eyes.

Avoid letting dogs sleep in your bed, as they can bring pollen with them.

ragweed. Ragweed pollen can cause headaches in addition to the usual allergy symptoms.