Rising temperatures and greenhouse gas emissions are making allergies worse in Rhode Island, according to recent forecasts and studies. A longer allergy season is expected in the state, with warmer weather spreading across the country and higher pollen counts anticipated.
Climate Central, a scientific research organization, analyzed temperature trends from 198 US cities between 1970 and 2024, finding that the freeze-free growing season lengthened by an average of 20 days. In Rhode Island, this period increased by 29 days, indicating a longer allergy season.
AccuWeather forecasts pollen counts to rise in Rhode Island as warm weather persists. The company’s senior meteorologist warned that millions of people with seasonal allergies will struggle with more intense symptoms lasting longer into the year.
The Allergy and Asthma Foundation of America’s 2025 Allergy Capitals study ranks cities based on pollen scores, with Providence at No. 78 on the list. While it’s not the worst place to live for those with asthma, a growing body of research supports the link between climate change, warming temperatures, and more frequent allergy seasons.
According to the CDC, about a quarter of adults and 19% of children in the US have seasonal allergies, which can trigger hospitalizations for respiratory conditions like asthma. The estimated annual medical expenses during allergy season are $3 billion, with almost half attributed to prescription and medication costs.
Source: https://patch.com/rhode-island/portsmouth/how-climate-change-making-allergies-worse-what-know-ri