Spring is here, kicking off the season some allergy sufferers dread. While those unpleasant symptoms, like sneezing, itching and watery eyes, can happen to people all over, some places definitely have it worse than others.
Forecasters are warning those with seasonal allergies that pollen counts will be higher than usual across much of the U.S. this year. A senior meteorologist at AccuWeather said Thursday that pollen counts will exceed historical averages in 39 states as the warm weather approaches. The experts say those who suffer from allergies should prepare for an intense allergy season that could linger into autumn. They say allergy seasons across the country are lasting one to four weeks longer than they did 50 years ago because of changing climate conditions.
And a new report reveals the most challenging cities for dealing with seasonal allergies.
- The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America’s list of 2025’s Allergy Capitals has just come out.
- They ranked the 100 most-populated U.S. cities on three factors: tree, grass and weed pollen scores, over-the-counter allergy medicine use and the number of local board-certified allergist/immunologists.
- So, what is the worst city for seasonal allergies? Number one for the third year in a row is Wichita, Kansas.
- Dallas is #13, which is worse than average.
- Albuquerque is number 79 with our pollen better than average.
The Top 10 Most Challenging Cities For Seasonal Allergies in 2025
(Check out the full list of 100 cities here)
- Wichita, Kansas
- New Orleans, Louisiana
- Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
- Tulsa, Oklahoma
- Memphis, Tennessee
- Little Rock, Arkansas
- Raleigh, North Carolina
- Richmond, Virginia
- Greenville, South Carolina
- Greensboro, North Carolina
Source: The Hill