Mountain Cedar Allergy Season: What You Need to Know

Understanding Mountain Cedar Allergies

• ⚠️ Mountain cedar season is currently active and is a primary cause of allergy struggles for many.
• 💡 Despite its name, mountain cedar is actually a type of juniper tree, not a true cedar.

Pollen Spread and Timing

• 💨 The juniper tree releases large volumes of small pollen particulates, creating potent allergens.
• 🗓️ This pollen release typically occurs from now through about mid-March, coinciding with when Texas live oak sheds its leaves.
• 📍 The pollen's origin is in Central Texas, stretching from southwest of DFW down to San Antonio and west towards Kerrville and Fredericksburg.

Wind Patterns and Allergy Impact

• 🌬️ Southerly and southwesterly winds are dominant this time of year and are responsible for spreading mountain cedar and juniper pollen into North Texas and sometimes the Panhandle.
• 📈 Winds out of the southwest are expected to continue for the next few days, exacerbating allergy symptoms.
• ❄️ Relief from these winds and the associated pollen is not expected until Saturday when colder air arrives and winds shift to the north or northwest.
• 📅 Allergy sufferers will likely need to endure through March and subsequent storm systems before feeling better in April and May.