Mapping the Worst US Cities for Allergies

The 80 million Americans suffering from seasonal allergies are bracing themselves for a particularly challenging spring. Allergy season came early this year and is expected to last longer, with North American pollen seasons now 20 days longer than in 1990, due to climate change. Changes in the climate have led to earlier plant blossoming and increased frost-free days, prompting plants to release more allergy-inducing pollen. As of early April, the South, Southeast and parts of the Midwest have the highest pollen counts. Climate Central has found that allergy season has grown longer in 83% locations – around 164 of nearly 200 cities – since 1970. The top 10 cities worst affected by allergies were found to be Wichita, Virginia Beach, Greenville, Dallas, Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Richmond, Des Moines, Raleigh, and Fayetteville.

Vocabulary Insights:

• Seasonal allergies /?si?z?nl ?æl?rd?iz/ (noun phrase): Allergic reactions that occur during specific times of the year, typically in response to allergens such as pollen.
• Bracing /?bre?s??/ (verb): Preparing oneself mentally or physically for something difficult or challenging.
• Pollen /?p?l?n/ (noun): Fine powder produced by flowers, trees, and grasses, carried by the wind or insects to fertilize other plants of the same species.
• Pollen seasons /?p?l?n ?si?z?nz/ (noun phrase): Periods during which pollen is released into the air, typically triggering allergies in susceptible individuals.