Lleida faces severe allergy season due to record pollen levels

Rainy winter and rising temperatures trigger high concentrations of cypress and olive pollen in Ponent.

Generic image of a spring landscape with flowering trees and pollen in the air.
IA

Generic image of a spring landscape with flowering trees and pollen in the air.

The city of Lleida and the surrounding Segrià region are bracing for a challenging spring as pollen levels reach historic highs following a particularly wet winter.

According to the Catalan Aerobiological Network (XAC), trees such as cypress, plane, and olive are showing significant growth trends in the Ponent area. Pollination cycles began as early as February, exceeding historical averages recorded since 1994.
Approximately two million people in Catalonia suffer from respiratory allergies. Experts from the SCAIC highlight that climate change and pollution are aggravating these conditions, making early diagnosis and preventive measures crucial for public health.

The season could be 19% longer this year, with annual pollen concentrations increasing by up to 40%.

Health authorities recommend monitoring daily pollen maps and avoiding outdoor activities during peak hours, specifically at midday and in the afternoon, to minimize exposure.