RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) — It seems like we can't talk about it enough this time of year. Pollen made a brief exit after Monday's rain and storms, but has certainly come back with a vengeance since.
Wednesday's tree pollen count was the highest recorded since early April of last year and it's likely to stay in the high category for at least the next week or two. We won't see significant improvement until around Easter.
Pollen, at the microscopic level, probably doesn't have the shape you think it may have. It has a spikes on the outside of each piece, which is part of the reason the yellow dust has an easier job sticking to many things, like your car.
Your car and pollen don't exactly get along very well. The best way to get it off of your car, while it may seem obvious, is by washing it off. Do not brush it off. Those spikes on the pollen can leave scratches in your paint if you try simply brushing them off.
Pollen is also an acidic substance by nature, which can allow it to dig into and deteriorate paint, especially if water becomes involved. Think of it like the salt and brine that crews put on roads during winter for snow mitigation.
Check your air filters often as well. If enough pollen gets into either the engine air or cabin air filters, it can have deteriorating effects on engine performance and potentially exacerbating your allergies.
Tree pollen season will wind down around Easter, but grass pollen is only getting started. Grass pollens usually perk up in mid to late-April, peaking in early May, before winding down by Memorial Day.