N.C. pollen reaches a record

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.