What is the pollen count in Chicago today?

Today's pollen levels in Chicago: Tree pollen is None, Grass pollen is None, Weed pollen is Moderate. Weed pollen is the dominant type right now, driven by Mugwort and Ragweed.

What does a Moderate pollen count mean in Chicago?

A Moderate pollen count means levels are noticeable. People with pollen sensitivities may experience mild symptoms like sneezing or itchy eyes, especially during extended time outdoors.

What are the main allergy triggers in Chicago right now?

The primary allergy triggers in Chicago today are Weed (Mugwort and Ragweed). These pollen types are at elevated levels and are most likely to cause symptoms for sensitive people.

What should allergy sufferers do when pollen is Moderate in Chicago?

With Moderate pollen in Chicago, basic precautions help: keep windows closed during peak hours, rinse off after outdoor time, and monitor your symptoms. Most activities can continue with awareness.

Does weather affect pollen levels in Chicago?

Yes, weather directly affects pollen levels in Chicago. Wind spreads pollen farther, rain washes it from the air, and humidity can either trap or disperse particles. Higher humidity today (82%) may help keep some pollen grounded.

Chicago, IL Pollen Count Today

Name: Pollen Data for Chicago
Creator: MyPollenPal
Keywords: pollen, air quality, allergies, forecast

Live pollen forecast and air quality for Chicago, Illinois

📍 Chicago, ILToday · Aug 29

6/10

Breathability™ Score

Good day overall with a few allergy-aware adjustments.

🌳Tree Pollen

None

🌱Grass Pollen

None

🌿Weed Pollen

Moderate

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Today's Pollen Levels in Chicago

Weed pollen is slightly elevated at Moderate levels in Chicago. Overall conditions are manageable for most people. With a Breathability™ Score of 6, conditions are mixed and may vary through the day.

Breathability™ Score is 6/10
Tree pollen is None, led by Alder and Birch
Grass pollen is None, led by Grass
Weed pollen is Moderate, led by Mugwort and Ragweed
Air quality is Good today

How Today's Pollen May Affect You

Mild allergy sufferers

You may notice mild irritation at peak times. Weed pollen is elevated; consider shorter midday exposure and keep water handy.

Moderate allergy sufferers

Plan around peak pollen windows. Try errands early or later, and consider a mask in high-traffic outdoor areas.

Severe allergy sufferers

Use high-protection habits today: shorter trips, cleaner indoor air, and reduced exposure during peak pollen hours.

5-Day Pollen Forecast

Today

Aug 29

Overall: Moderate

Tree: None

Grass: None

Weed: Moderate

Wind: 9 mph

Rain: 17%

Humidity: 70%

Sun

Aug 30

Overall: Moderate

Tree: None

Grass: None

Weed: Moderate

Wind: 14 mph

Rain: 48%

Humidity: 61%

Mon

Aug 31

Overall: Moderate

Tree: None

Grass: None

Weed: Moderate

Wind: 14 mph

Rain: 57% (may wash pollen out)

Humidity: 55%

Tue

Sep 1

Overall: Moderate

Tree: None

Grass: None

Weed: Moderate

Wind: 11 mph

Rain: 17%

Humidity: 50%

Wed

Sep 2

Overall: Moderate

Tree: None

Grass: None

Weed: Moderate

Wind: 13 mph

Rain: 17%

Humidity: 50%

Tree Pollen in Chicago Today

Tree pollen in Chicago is None today. Tree pollen season typically runs from early spring through late May, peaking when deciduous trees release their pollen. On low days like today, outdoor activities are generally comfortable for most allergy sufferers.

Species Breakdown

Alder0 grains/m³

Birch0 grains/m³

Hazel0 grains/m³

Oak pollen in Chicago →0 grains/m³

Grass Pollen in Chicago Today

Grass pollen in Chicago is None today. Grass pollen season typically peaks from late spring through summer (May through August in most regions). On low-count days, grass allergy sufferers can generally spend time outdoors without significant symptoms.

Species Breakdown

Grass pollen in Chicago →0 grains/m³

Weed Pollen in Chicago Today

Weed pollen in Chicago is Moderate today, reaching 37.83 grains/m³. Mugwort and Ragweed are the primary driver. Ragweed is the most common allergen in this category, and elevated levels can trigger persistent symptoms even in people who are only mildly sensitive.

Common Symptoms

Persistent sneezing
Runny nose
Itchy eyes and throat
Nasal congestion
Fatigue from prolonged exposure

Species Breakdown

Mugwort37.83 grains/m³

Ragweed pollen in Chicago →25.06 grains/m³

Air Quality in Chicago Today

🌬️

Air Quality

Good

Air Pollutant Breakdown

PM2.5Good

11 µg/m³

Tiny particles smaller than 2.5 micrometers that can reach deep into your lungs and bloodstream. High levels can affect breathing and heart health.

PM10Good

11 µg/m³

Larger particles up to 10 micrometers, like dust or pollen. They can irritate your airways and worsen allergies or asthma.

Ozone (O3)Good

49 µg/m³

Elevated levels irritate airways and can worsen asthma symptoms.

Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2)Good

22 µg/m³

A respiratory irritant from vehicle exhaust that can trigger inflammation in sensitive airways.

Sulfur Dioxide (SO2)Good

2.8 µg/m³

Even brief exposure can tighten airways, especially for people with asthma.

Carbon Monoxide (CO)Good

205 µg/m³

High levels reduce oxygen delivery in the body, compounding breathing difficulty on high-pollen days.

See the full Chicago air quality report →

Weather in Chicago Today

🌤️

Weather

68°F

Overcast

Humidity

82%

Wind

6 mph SSW

Feels Like

68°F

Pressure

1021 mb

Frequently Asked Questions

When pollen keeps winning, see an allergist

Pollen shifts week to week in Chicago. If cetirizine (Zyrtec) or a steroid nasal spray stopped holding your symptoms down, or they drag on for months at a time, a board-certified allergist can test exactly what you react to and treat the cause instead of the symptom.

See 5 board-certified allergists in Illinois →

Get free daily pollen alerts

Morning alerts for Chicago when pollen is high. One email a day, only when it matters.

Allergy Guides and Resources

Seasonal pollen guides, daily city rankings, and practical tips for managing your allergies.

Browse all guides →

Related Cities in Illinois

Looking for more places? Browse popular cities or return to the Illinois page.

Chicago pollen by allergen

Ragweed pollen Grass pollen Oak pollen Maple pollen