Climate Matters: Longer allergy season in a warming climate

Fall allergens are out in full swing and ragweed and other pollen producers may stick around longer in a changing climate. Spring thaw arrives earlier, and fall frosts later, allowing plants to thrive and produce pollen for days or weeks longer than before.

Central Missouri is already seeing an increase in growing days or days free of frost throughout the year. Columbia has gained an additional week of frost-free days in the last half-century while the growing season stretches over two weeks longer in other parts of the state.

Dr. Mark Vandewalker, a board-certified allergist with Family Allergy and Asthma says he has seen more patients coming in over time suffering from worse allergies. "I think much of that may be due to increased pollen counts in our area, but from year to year, counts can vary quite a bit." Dr. Vandewalker also says while ragweed season is past its peak by a few week there is still lots of pollen out.