Early spring leads to an extended allergy season.

• Boise, Idaho, holds the title of the most challenging U.S. city for allergies this season.
• Three cities from Utah made the allergy capitals list.
• Managing seasonal allergies effectively requires keeping an eye on pollen counts regularly.

Seasonal allergies seem to be arriving earlier this year, largely due to unseasonably warm temperatures across various parts of the country, especially in the Intermountain West. Allergy experts warn that these allergies are not only starting early but may also persist longer than usual.

A recent report from the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America highlights that over 106 million Americans suffer from allergies, particularly those linked to pollen.

Boise, Idaho, ranks as the top city facing allergy challenges, attributed to high pollen levels combined with a scarcity of allergy specialists in the area. In fact, tree pollen has surged earlier than usual this season. Meanwhile, three cities in Utah made the foundation’s top 20 list: Provo at No. 4, Ogden at No. 8, and Salt Lake City at No. 13. The complete ranking is provided below.

The misery of allergies

Allergies occur when your immune system reacts to substances it mistakenly identifies as harmful. They are one of the most prevalent chronic conditions. These triggers can include food, insects, or, as in the case of seasonal allergies, pollen. It’s estimated that around 30% of adults and 40% of children in the U.S. have at least one allergy.

Pollen plays a crucial role in plant reproduction, aiding in the production of fruits, for instance. However, for those with specific allergies, it can be a significant nuisance since pollen is an airborne allergen and can travel considerable distances, especially in windy conditions.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention describes pollen grains as “tiny seeds” coming from plants, trees, grasses, and weeds. The concentration and type of pollen depend heavily on the season and geographical location. While pollen counts are typically elevated during warmer months, some plants release pollen all year round.

The foundation notes that longer and more intense pollen seasons can have effects beyond mere sneezing. Pollen can trigger allergic asthma, allergic rhinitis, and other allergic responses.

Common symptoms include itching and, at times, difficulty breathing. Additionally, some individuals may experience sore throats, headaches, coughing, and fatigue.

It’s worth mentioning that extreme weather events—like heavy rain and higher temperatures—can exacerbate indoor allergy issues, particularly mold, which can worsen air quality for those suffering from allergies or asthma.

Stop allergies from wearing you down

To manage seasonal allergies, the first step is often avoidance. Being aware of pollen counts can help people who are sensitive plan their outdoor activities accordingly.

Pollen counts can be checked through resources like the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology’s National Allergy Bureau, or local news outlets might provide this information as well.

For those already aware of their seasonal allergies, starting medication early can help. Many medications are most effective if taken before pollen levels rise; some experts suggest beginning treatment about two weeks ahead of expected symptoms.

When staying indoors, it’s advisable to keep windows closed and use high-efficiency filters if you have central heating or air conditioning.

Weather Bug offers a few practical tips to mitigate pollen problems:

• Make sure to wash your hands after coming into contact with any potentially pollen-covered items, and if working outside, consider washing clothes afterwards.
• Use saline solutions to flush out allergens from your sinuses.
• Consider using over-the-counter or prescribed antihistamines, but ensure to follow the directions carefully.
• If you anticipate being exposed to pollen, wearing a mask can be beneficial.
• Some natural options, like quercetin, found in garlic and onions or available as a supplement, may help stabilize reactions in your nose.
• Incorporating foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as fish and walnuts, may also be useful.

Worst allergy cities

The foundation compiled the allergy capitals list using data from the 100 most populated metropolitan areas in the contiguous United States. Factors included pollen counts from trees, grass, and weeds, usage of over-the-counter allergy medications, and the number of allergy specialists available.

The following are the top allergy capitals for 2026:

1. Boise, Idaho
2. San Diego, California
3. Tulsa, Oklahoma
4. Provo, Utah
5. Rochester, New York
6. Wichita, Kansas
7. Raleigh, North Carolina
8. Ogden, Utah
9. Spokane, Washington
10. Greenville, South Carolina
11. San Francisco, California
12. Minneapolis, Minnesota
13. Salt Lake City, Utah
14. Richmond, Virginia
15. Colorado Springs, Colorado
16. Little Rock, Arkansas
17. Toledo, Ohio
18. New Orleans, Louisiana
19. Winston-Salem, North Carolina
20. Lakeland, Florida

Conversely, the cities least affected by allergies include Houston, Texas; New York, New York; San Antonio, Texas; Boston, Massachusetts; Phoenix, Arizona; Fresno, California; Harrisburg, Pennsylvania; El Paso, Texas; McAllen, Texas; and Tucson, Arizona.