Fall 2023 Allergy Season Is Starting: What To Expect In MD

MARYLAND — You are not alone if your eyes seem more watery, your throat scratchier and your nose a little runnier. The fall allergy season is underway in Maryland, and thanks to scorching hot temperatures late into summer and plentiful moisture, it's going to be torture for allergy suffers.

Allergies are a year-round malady, but are different in the fall than in other seasons. Ragweed is the big culprit, but mold and dust mites are also fall allergy triggers. The only that brings the misery to a halt is a hard frost.

The experts at AccuWeather issued their fall allergy forecast on Wednesday, and the news is itchy and sneezy for the mid-Atlantic states south to Florida and as far west as Louisiana. Maryland, Virginia and neighboring states will all experience some of the worst fall allergies this year.

"With the later-than-average frost and freeze, we will see the Southeast keep weed pollen levels high through much of the fall, making for a significantly extended year," AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Alan Reppert said.

The first frost of the season usually occurs in the Southeast during the final days of October through the middle of November, according to historical averages.

Peak pollen counts are expected in mid- to late September. The first frost of the season usually occurs in the Southeast during the final days of October through the middle of November, according to historical averages.

To a lesser extent, mold and dust mites are fall allergy triggers, according to WebMd. Mold spores multiply in wet spots outside, such as piles of damp leaves. The first use of the furnace in the fall sends dust mites idle for months swirling into the air.

Generally, allergy sufferers will breathe easier after the first freeze, when temperatures drop below 28 degrees Fahrenheit for a couple of hours, Reppert said.

• Related: Fall Foliage Peak 2023: When To Time Leaf-Peeping Tours In MD

While COVID-19, the flu or the common cold cause a runny nose, headache and or sore throat, allergies can produce those same symptoms plus itching.

The American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology offers some tips to cope with fall allergies:

• Keep the air conditioner running in your car and home to help filter out allergens rather than leaving the windows open.
• Begin taking your allergy medication about two weeks before your symptoms usually begin for full effectiveness.
• If you you need to be outdoors on higher pollen count days wear an N95 mask to help filter out pollen, and wear a hat and sunglasses to help keep pollen out of your eyes.
• Change your HVAC filter every three months — and choose a high-quality filter such as those with a MERV rating of 11-13 for the best filtration of pollen and mold.
• Leave shoes at the door — and wash clothes immediately after spending time outdoors.
• Shower or bathe at night to avoid bringing allergens into your bed.
• Don’t hang clothes or bedding outside to dry after washing.