As storms are expected to blow through metro Phoenix this week, people are urged to take proactive measures for allergies that may flare up as a result.
“Short term, [the rain] helps everything out because it washes the pollen out of the air,” said Dr. Julie Wendt, an allergist at HonorHealth. “Long term, it's just feeding the plants.”
Allergy season usually peaks in April and May, but rain showers across Phoenix may lead to an early start to a long allergy season.
A dry winter is better for a shorter allergy season. Wendt said that while rain and storms provide relief, it is short-lived.
“I often judge, not only the season for spring but also what will end up being the fire season later by how green the mountains are here,” Wendt said. “It’s definitely increasing the pollen.”
Wendt recommends taking over-the-counter allergy medicine, wiping off pets to remove pollen and taking off shoes in the house. Having hardwood floors also makes clean-up of pollen easier than rugs or carpets
If there is no relief from allergies or you're unsure of which medication is best, Wendt recommends seeing a doctor.
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Temperatures in the Valley are projected to reach the mid- to upper 70s later in the week, which the National Weather Service said is well above what he would expect this time of year. -
A proposed Arizona bill would make it a felony to try to affect the climate or weather. -
SRP senior hydrologist Stephen Flora said while the state is experiencing a mild La Niña weather pattern, the unpredictable climate in Arizona may bring unexpected conditions this winter. -
The weather almost everywhere else except Phoenix is looking frightful. There are blizzard conditions in parts of the Northeast and Midwest, and storms in the South. -
What started as a rainy, muggy Christmas morning is expected to mostly clear up, as the rain moves east. Though the National Weather Service says some cloud cover and sprinkling may continue.
