Michigan August Allergies Are Back, and Ragweed Is Leading the Attack

If you've spent August thinking that between Cyclospora, gas prices, and tainted jalapeños, maybe Michigan will stop trying to attack you, think again. Just as the mosquitoes ease up, it's time for the plants to take over.

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According to the allergy experts at Allermi, Michigan allergy season can stretch from late March into mid-November. In southern and central Michigan, weed pollen, especially ragweed, typically peaks from late August through early October. Northern Michigan usually runs a little later, from early September into mid-October. So while you're squeezing in one more beach day, ragweed is quietly punching in for its shift.

Why August Can Be Brutal for Michigan Allergies

Green plant with numerous small yellow flowers.

The Allergy & Asthma Center of Rochester says fall allergy symptoms are commonly tied to weeds and ragweed. Its pollen can travel for miles on a Michigan breeze, meaning ripping one suspicious weed out of your yard does not create a magical allergy force field.

Michigan Medicine reports that allergy season is also getting longer and more severe. It cites research showing pollen seasons starting about 20 days earlier and lasting roughly 10 days longer, with warmer temperatures and higher carbon dioxide levels helping plants produce more sneeze-inducing pollen for Michiganders to enjoy. Thanks, Mother Nature!

How to Fight Back

a field of yellow flowers with green leaves

Experts recommend limiting outdoor exposure when pollen is high, especially in the morning, showering after being outside, and keeping your car windows up. They also suggest closing home windows and using air conditioning on high-pollen days.

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So if August suddenly turns your nose into a leaking faucet, don't immediately blame the cat. Michigan's vegetation may simply be reminding you that summer still has some hidden fees.