Despite winter being in full swing, the pollen season has begun early, according to reports from Dagens Nyheter and TV4 Nyheterna. The Natural History Museum, which continuously measures pollen levels in the air, has noted that this year's pollen season is shifted by a whole month compared to last year, even though this winter is significantly colder. Pharmacies have reportedly started seeing an increase in sales of allergy medication, and many people are beginning to notice symptoms.
Pollen expert Agneta Ekebom from the museum says that one explanation is that pollen is arriving with southerly winds from parts of Europe where hazel has already started blooming. According to reports, climate change has generally led to warmer winters, causing the pollen season to start earlier as blooming occurs sooner. Liselott Florén from the Asthma and Allergy Association states that the pollen season has also become longer and more intense.
one explanation is that pollen is arriving with southerly winds from parts of Europe where hazel has already started blooming
She adds that the number of allergic people in the Western world is increasing, with exposure to pollen over a longer time and climate changes on the continent causing other pollen types, such as highly allergenic ragweed from Central Europe, to move toward northern Europe. For those allergic to hazel, it is reportedly good to pay attention to forecasts and stock up on medication now. According to Pollenkoll, hazel is followed closely in time by alder, then elm, aspen, birch, and willow, with oak and grass coming later in spring, and mugwort in summer.
the pollen season has also become longer and more intense
the number of allergic people in the Western world is increasing, with exposure to pollen over a longer time and climate changes on the continent causing other pollen types, such as highly allergenic ragweed from Central Europe, to move toward northern Europe