The seasons, they are a 'changing. Weather weirding - weather "playing slightly out of tune"? Yep. More water vapor, more moisture in the air was a contributing factor for 140" of snow this past winter. But stepping back, a slow-motion warming trend, one that is more pronounced at far northern latitudes, is resulting in a longer growing season. Don't believe me? Ask a farmer. Seasons are shifting, but most years autumn warmth, 60s and 70s, extend deeper into October and even November. Ice forms on our lakes later in the year. It's not a theory or a climate model, it's our new reality.

According to Climate Central:

  • Analysis of temperature data for 203 U.S. cities shows the freeze-free season lengthened by more than two weeks (15 days) on average since 1970.

  • For millions of Americans that suffer from seasonal allergies to pollen and mold, climate change is bringing an earlier, longer, and overall worse allergy season.

Credit: Climate Central
Credit: Climate Central
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Warming temperatures and more freeze-free days are key ways that climate change is affecting allergy season. According to scientists at Climate Central, a warmer climate and a subsequently longer growing season is compounded by the fact that increased carbon dioxide in the atmosphere boosts pollen production. Lovely.

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Credit: Climate Central
Credit: Climate Central
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Climate Central’s new report, Seasonal Allergies: Pollen and Mold, details weather and climate trends that affect allergy season locally, including the documented fact that summer thunderstorms can increase the risk of asthma attacks! Pass the Kleenex and ZYRTEC please.

As someone who started sneezing and wheezing with allergies later in life, my personal experience is, yes, things are getting progressively more challenging out there. Hey, let's throw in a little wildfire smoke to make things REALLY INTERESTING!

Photo by Towfiqu Barbhuiya on Unsplash
Photo by Towfiqu Barbhuiya on Unsplash
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We are not about to lock ourselves in our mamma's basement, although some days that sounds like a reasonable alternative. OTC (over the counter) drugs can certainly help, but having a good allergist on speed-dial will be a necessary coping skill for most of us as the growing season continues to lengthen in the years to come.

But now you know why you're sneezing with greater frequency. In case you were wondering. [Paul checks notes]. It says here that allergies go away during our super-sized winters?

Yes, there is another upside to Alberta Clippers in January.

10 Ways To Beat Pollen Allergies

Those who struggle with pollen allergies know the struggle can be real. Runny noses, watery eyes, and pure misery are just some of the things that come with pollen allergies. Whether it's fall or spring in the Quad Cities, these 10 remedies can help combat those allergies and make you feel a lot better.

Gallery Credit: Connor Kenney/Townsquare Media Quad Cities

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