The arrival of spring in Saskatchewan brings more than just blooming flowers; it signals the start of a potentially intense allergy season. The prolonged cold spell has delayed the release of tree pollen, meaning it will now concentrate into a shorter, more severe period.
Daniel Coates, director of the Aerobiology Research Lab, warns that Saskatoon residents will face a rapid increase in birch, ash, and oak pollen, alongside other trees like poplar and elm. The delayed start means the pollen count will spike quickly, leading to more severe allergy symptoms.
Interestingly, Regina ranks as the third-best city in Canada to live in for allergy sufferers, according to Coates, who also notes Saskatoon places fifth for those with tree allergies. Despite these rankings, the province's overall pollen levels have more than doubled over the last 35 years, a trend that shows no sign of reversing.