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Climate Friday | Climate change contributing to warmer spring, worse allergies

In 1970, about 30 spring days per year were warmer than normal. Now, that number is over 40.

TOLEDO, Ohio — May is a month of ups and downs, and you've felt both hot and cold, rainy and sunny, humid and dry weather this week. 

Overall, the spring season is growing warmer and wetter, largely due to climate change. Though the daily highs and lows and ups and downs are due to shifts in the jet stream and warm and cold fronts, climate is contributing to the overall trend of warmer weather.

Temperatures have already climbed to the 80s ten times this season and it's only mid-May. Friday's 90-degree temperatures will approach record levels. 

Spring heat is growing more frequent, and above-average temperatures are becoming the new normal. In 1970, about 30 spring days per year were warmer than normal. Now, that number is over 40. 

Credit: WTOL 11

Abnormally warm spring days like the ones we’ve felt this May are growing more common due to climate change.

Even if you enjoy the heat, the warm weather comes at a price. Spring allergies are growing more extreme in our warming world. 

Warmer temperatures are associated with increased amounts of pollen. Additionally, rises in carbon dioxide emissions elevate pollen levels. This twofold effect of temperatures and CO2 has lengthened and exacerbated spring allergy season. 

Credit: WTOL 11

This change will grow more noticeable in the future.

Allergies and heat are inevitable with the spring season but are growing more common over time. Climate change will accelerate this trend in the future. 

Stay tuned to WTOL 11 for the latest forecast this May and beyond!

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