Spring allergies—what to expect in Minnesota

If your eyes are already itchy and you’ve gone through half a box of tissues this week, you’re not imagining it — and you’re not alone.

Spring allergy season is ramping up across Minnesota, and according to AccuWeather’s 2026 forecast, we’re looking at an earlier and potentially more intense pollen season than usual. 

Here’s what’s coming, when to expect it, and how to stay ahead of it.

The 2026 pollen timeline

Experts expect an earlier-than-normal start this year, driven by warmer spring temperatures and above-average rainfall — a combination that can fuel increased pollen production across the region, including east-central Minnesota.

• Wave 1: Tree pollen (April – May)
  Counts are building now and expected to peak in mid-May. If we get a late April frost, don’t celebrate too soon. While it may briefly delay the peak, it often causes trees to release pollen in a single massive burst once the first 70-degree day arrives.

• Wave 2: Grass pollen (June – July)
  This is where 2026 might hit hardest. High-to-extreme counts are forecast statewide. If you live near a field, a gravel road, or have a large lawn to mow, June may be a very challenging month.

• Wave 3: Weed pollen (August – September)
  Ragweed loves our open landscapes and roadsides. Expect it to linger until the first hard frost of autumn.

The “triple threat” and why it feels worse every year

It’s not your imagination — allergies really are getting more aggressive, and experts point to three reasons why.

• Longer seasons — Warmer winters and earlier snowmelt are extending pollen seasons at both ends of the calendar. The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America’s 2026 report notes that plants bloom sooner in spring while later frosts push weed pollen season deeper into autumn — adding an average of 20 freeze-free days to the season.

• More pollen — Rising CO₂ levels are directly boosting pollen output per plant. According to Climate Central, higher carbon dioxide levels act like a fertilizer for pollen-producing plants, and the US could see up to a 200% increase in pollen production by the end of the century if levels continue to rise.

• More potent pollen — It’s not just quantity. The American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology notes that higher CO₂ and environmental stressors may be making pollen more allergenic — each grain capable of triggering a stronger immune reaction than it used to.

The result: more pollen, over more months, at higher concentrations than previous decades. If your allergies feel worse than they used to, there are real biological and environmental reasons for that.

How to manage allergy symptoms

You can’t stop the pollen, but you can keep it out of your life.

• Start before you sneeze. Antihistamines and nasal corticosteroid sprays work best when they’re already in your system before peak weeks arrive. Don’t wait until you’re miserable.

• The window rule. We all love fresh air after a long winter, but keep windows closed on breezy mornings when pollen counts are at their highest. Use your AC — it acts as a filter.

• The evening rinse. Pollen clings to your hair and clothes. A quick shower before bed prevents you from rubbing a full day’s worth of pollen onto your pillow.

• Watch the clock. Pollen counts typically peak between 5:00 and 10:00 AM. Save your outdoor walk or gardening for the afternoon, or right after a rain shower. Keep in mind that high winds can keep pollen swirling well into the afternoon.

• Protect your eyes. Sunglasses aren’t just for the sun — they’re a physical shield against airborne allergens.

When over-the-counter isn’t enough

If you’re struggling to sleep, losing focus at work, or feeling like your allergies have turned into a sinus infection, it’s time for a better plan.

• Allergy testing can identify exactly which pollens are triggering your symptoms — which is the first step toward treatment that actually targets the problem rather than just masking it.

• Immunotherapy — allergy shots or sublingual drops — goes a step further, gradually retraining your immune system to tolerate allergens over time. For people with moderate to severe allergies, it can be life-changing.

• A personalized plan from a specialist who understands Minnesota’s environment means you’re not just guessing at which antihistamine to grab off the shelf.

Tackle the 2026 allergy season

Don’t let the 2026 season get the best of you. Talk with your Welia Health Family Medicine provider or schedule directly with allergy specialist Dr. Matthew Patterson to develop a plan that works for you. To make an appointment, call Welia Health at 320.679.1313 or log in to MyChart to schedule online.