It's all anyone seems to be talking about - "The Pollening."
If you're new to the area, welcome to spring. This happens every year. This time, however, it's a little different.
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The tree pollen reading from the last two days has added up to more than 3,000 grams-per-cubic-meter.
According to the Southeast Regional Climate Center, that's the sixth-highest two-day reading in the month of March on record. This kind of data only goes back to 2002.
The higher two-day totals (in the month of March) came during the years 2020, 2016 and 2007.
Notice that these all happened nearly a week later, though.
Why is there so much yellow?
A recent article published by NC State University states right off the bat, "As temperatures rise across North Carolina, the annual arrival of "yellow dust" signals the peak of the spring pollen season."
March of 2026 is off to a historic start (with less than a week left to go). It's the third-warmest March on record, and records in Raleigh go back to 1887.
Warmer air is less dense, which allows pollen to travel more freely and efficiently. This is a project I worked on during my junior year at NC State.
How does this compare to history?
How does this relate to the other Marches, in which even higher pollen concentrations were recorded?
Each one of these Marches were warmer-than-average, and three of them fell within the top-seven warmest on record.
The yellow pine pollen is a nuisance. It coats everything, and some people even report a chalky taste if they spend enough time outside.
However, it's probably not the type of tree pollen that's causing your watery eyes, stuffy nose, cough, etc.
The aforementioned article, written by Robert Bardon, also states that while pine pollen is highly visible, it isn't a main allergen. "Because pine pollen grains are two to three times larger and smoother than hardwood pollen, they are less likely to cause respiratory irritation.
When does it end?
Anyone telling you that we're almost done with the yellow pollen is lying. Or maybe they're just trying to be optimistic and provide comfort.
Regardless, the fact of the matter is - this is just the beginning.
Historically speaking, tree pollen peaks heading into April. This is just the initial burst of yellow pollen.
Daily tree pollen concentrations usually peak above 2,000 grams-per-cubic-meter, and that peak usually happens in April.
Tuesday's reading of more than 1,500 grams-per-cubic-meter was the highest we've seen to this point in the spring.
