Pollen counts are rising. Here's which cities will be hit the hardest

'Tis the season for itchy eyes and runny noses.

With spring in full force, pollen counts are rising around the country, leaving those affected byseasonal allergieslittle reprieve.

It's estimated that more than 80 million Americans experience seasonal or environmental allergies, according to data from theAllergy & Asthma Network.

Pollen usually comes from trees in the spring, grasses in the summer, and weeds in the fall. It can cause seasonal allergies, also known as allergic rhinitis or hay fever, with symptoms such as sneezing, congestion and watery eyes, according to theNational Institute of Environmental Health Sciences.

But the severity and timing of the year's pollen vary by area. Here's what to know about pollen season, so far.

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Where are seasonal allergies already bad?

Peak pollen times range by pollen type and location around the country.

According toAccuWeather's 2026 forecast,tree pollen is expected to peak in mid-April across the middle of the country, including in states such as Missouri, Illinois and Kentucky, where high levels are forecast.

States in the northern half of the continental United States, from Washington state to New England, will see peak tree pollen in mid-May.

The forecast for grass pollen, which is more prevalent in the summer, will begin impacting the southern part of the country in May before moving north in June and July, according to AccuWeather.

Which cities will have the worst pollen counts this year?

According to theAsthma and Allergy Foundation of America's annual allergy capitals report, these cities are expected to be hit the hardest by pollen this year:

1. Boise, Idaho

2. San Diego, California

3. Tulsa, Oklahoma

4. Provo, Utah

5. Rochester, New York

6. Wichita, Kansas

7. Raleigh, North Carolina

8. Ogden, Utah

9. Spokane, Washington

10. Greenville, South Carolina

11. San Francisco, California

12. Minneapolis, Minnesota

13. Salt Lake City, Utah

14. Richmond, Virginia

15. Colorado Springs, Colorado

16. Little Rock, Arkansas

17. Toledo, Ohio

18. New Orleans, Louisiana

19. Winston-Salem, North Carolina

20. Lakeland, Florida

Melina Khan is a national trending reporter for USA TODAY. Keep up with her on X@melinakhand Instagram@bymelinakhan.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Got allergies? These cities will be hit the hardest by pollen