By Jerry Strahan

Despite the days of ice we experienced here, this has been an unusually warm winter, which means more pollen, and that’s no April Fool’s joke. With the warmer temperatures the trees that produce the most pollen woke up earlier this year.

In Webster Parish, huge amounts of pollen are due to dense woods, long growing season and a huge variety of trees.  

Culprits are oak, maple cedar and, of course, pine. They make the most of the yellow pollen that keeps coming back, just after you wash your vehicle. 

Even if you don’t live close to dense woods, pollen can travel hundreds of miles with the winds.

Tree pollen is 70 microns, which is the same as an average human hair.
Common Pollen Sizes by Type:
• Trees & Weeds: Smaller particles, often 10–30 microns, which travel easily in the wind.
• Ragweed Pollen: 10–20 microns.
• Larger Pollen: Some plant pollen can reach up to 200 microns.

Pollen is not a germ, therefore it cannot produce pneumonia.

Although it can cause an allergic reaction. 

Pollen forecast from March 30 to April 8 will be low.
You should see a big difference in amount of pollen.
Recommendations for High Pollen Days:
• Keep windows and doors closed to prevent pollen from entering your home.
• Shower and change clothing after spending time outdoors.
• Monitor daily forecasts, as levels may change based on weather conditions such as wind and rain.

(Jerry Strahan was a first responder in fire and emergency services for almost 45 years. He lives in north Webster Parish and has written weather articles for other publications.)