The pollen count in Raleigh Wednesday was the highest in six years, according to data released by the state Department of Environment and Natural Resources.
The pollen count in Raleigh reached 3,524 grains per cubic meter. In Winston-Salem, it was nearly three higher – 9,632 grains per cubic meter.
Daily averages during the spring in North Carolina are 1,000 to 1,500 grains per cubic meter.
The chance for rain late on Thursday has some allergy sufferers holding their breath for a break.
Showers should spread over the Triangle Thursday overnight, tamping down some of the pollen and ushering in cooler, more seasonable temperatures, WRAL Chief Meteorologist Greg Fishel said.
After the clouds clear on Friday, highs will be return to the high 60s to low 70s with another stretch of sunny days.
Scientists credit the recent dry spell, early, extended period of warm weather and flowering multiple species of trees over the past week with the coating of yellowish pollen that dusted the central part of the state over the past few days.



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April 8, 2010 4:33 p.m.
April 8, 2010 4:00 p.m.
Yeah, the rain isn't forecasted to come for another 6-10 hours.
Probably many of the pollen sufferers have to go to work, which means that they do "just have to go outside".
*scratches head in puzzlement*
April 8, 2010 12:35 p.m.
According to aviation forums RDU had 2 AA jets return to the airport ( AA Flights 1477 & 1705) on Tuesday due a smell similar to “burning wood” in the cabin during climb out from RDU.
Similar smells were reported below 5000 feet on climb out, on flights at Birmingham and Atlanta. Those cities have had high pollen counts too.
During climb out the engines rev up and suck in enormous amounts of air to produce takeoff and climb thrust. Some of the engines compressed air is mixed with the existing cabin air to provide fresh air for the aircraft.
Just wonder if any one had a flight out of RDU earlier this week and if they experienced any problems with the cabin air.
April 8, 2010 12:04 p.m.
April 8, 2010 11:58 a.m.