Has hay fever season started early? And what’s the most common culprit?
Eastern states have experienced more vegetation growth during late winter and early spring, while WA has had lower plant growth. Here’s what this means for symptoms.
The 2026 Australian pollen season has commenced, with some individuals in the eastern states reporting hay fever symptoms emerging earlier than usual. Satellite imaging indicates that eastern states have witnessed more vegetation growth during late winter and early spring compared to last year. Conversely, Western Australia has recorded lower levels of plant growth, likely attributed to lower than average rainfall.
This disparity may result in a slower onset of the pollen season. Plant growth serves as a key indicator of pollen season severity, as greater growth can lead to earlier flowering and heightened pollen production. Rainfall during spring will also play a crucial role in determining the severity of the pollen season.
Pollen triggers hay fever symptoms by entering the nose, eyes, and lungs. When it encounters proteins on the pollen surface and small pollen fragments, it can stimulate an immune response in sensitive individuals, resulting in symptoms such as itchy and sore eyes, sneezing, and coughing. Inhaling pollen can also lead to asthma attacks, particularly during thunderstorms when changes in air pressure and humidity cause pollen grains to break apart, releasing fragments deep into the lungs.
Grass pollen, originating from various grass species, is the most prevalent cause of seasonal hay fever in Australia, affecting nearly one in four Australians. Tree and weed pollen can also induce hay fever, especially from specific conifers and European trees like pines, planes, and olives, which release pollen early in the season, followed by grasses and weeds.
Pollen calendars can provide insights into the anticipated timing and duration of pollen release for particular plant species. The start of the pollen season in Melbourne and Canberra is typically considered to range from early October to December, while in Sydney, it extends from September to December. The peak periods differ across states and territories, with research ongoing to determine the timing in areas such as Western Australia, South Australia, and Tasmania.
The start, peak, and severity of pollen seasons can vary significantly across Australia due to differences in weather patterns, environmental conditions, and geography. Current climate patterns, such as the ongoing El Niño event, can influence pollen levels. While hot and dry conditions may promote pollen transport and fragmentation, prolonged drought resulting from low rainfall could diminish pollen production, thereby reducing the pollen season's severity.
Written by urgent.news from The Conversation AU's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
