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 Low. Weed pollen is the dominant type right now, driven by Ragweed and Mugwort.

What will the pollen count be tomorrow in Chicago?

Pollen in Chicago is forecast to reach Low tomorrow. Weed pollen is the main driver. That's a full-day figure, so early morning usually runs higher than late afternoon. Check again in the morning, because wind and rain can shift it overnight.

What does a Low pollen count mean in Chicago?

A Low pollen count means concentrations are minimal. Most people, including those with mild allergies, can spend time outdoors comfortably.

What are the main allergy triggers in Chicago right now?

Pollen levels across all types are currently low in Chicago. Most allergy sufferers should find conditions manageable today.

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

Pollen levels are low in Chicago today, so most outdoor activities should be comfortable. It is still a good idea to check levels daily, since conditions can change quickly with wind and weather shifts.

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 (85%) 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 · Oct 14

8/10

Breathability™ Score

Excellent breathing conditions for most plans today.

🌳Tree Pollen

None

🌱Grass Pollen

None

🌿Weed Pollen

Low

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Today's Pollen Levels in Chicago

Weed pollen is slightly elevated at Low levels in Chicago. Overall conditions are manageable for most people. With a Breathability™ Score of 8, breathing conditions look good for most people.

Breathability™ Score is 8/10
Tree pollen is None, led by Alder and Birch
Grass pollen is None, led by Grass
Weed pollen is Low, led by Ragweed and Mugwort
Air quality is Good today

How Today's Pollen May Affect You

Mild allergy sufferers

Most plans can stay the same today. Weed pollen is elevated and air quality is Good, so a quick rinse after time outside may help.

Moderate allergy sufferers

Conditions look manageable with routine precautions. Keep windows closed during peak pollen periods and shower after outdoor time.

Severe allergy sufferers

Even on a better day, keep your usual high-protection routine and avoid long exposure when pollen spikes.

5-Day Pollen Forecast

Pollen in Chicago peaks Friday at Moderate, driven by weed pollen.

Today

Oct 14

Overall: Low

Tree: None

Grass: None

Weed: Low

Wind: 11 mph

Rain: 73% (may wash pollen out)

Humidity: 76%

Thu

Oct 15

Overall: Low

Tree: None

Grass: None

Weed: Low

Wind: 9 mph

Rain: 89% (may wash pollen out)

Humidity: 83%

Fri

Oct 16

Overall: Moderate

Tree: None

Grass: None

Weed: Moderate

Wind: 15 mph (may spread pollen)

Rain: 60% (may wash pollen out)

Humidity: 71%

Sat

Oct 17

Overall: Moderate

Tree: None

Grass: None

Weed: Moderate

Wind: 12 mph

Rain: 3%

Humidity: 53%

Sun

Oct 18

Overall: Moderate

Tree: None

Grass: None

Weed: Moderate

Wind: 13 mph

Rain: 2%

Humidity: 46%

Rain is likely Thursday (89% chance). The hour or two right after it stops is usually the cleanest air of the day. Plan around Friday though. Pollen often climbs the day after rain, when plants use the moisture to release a fresh burst.

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 Low today, reaching 7.27 grains/m³. Ragweed and Mugwort 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

Ragweed pollen in Chicago →7.27 grains/m³

Mugwort0 grains/m³

Air Quality in Chicago Today

🌬️

Air Quality

Good

Air Pollutant Breakdown

PM2.5Moderate

15 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

15 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

12 µg/m³

Elevated levels irritate airways and can worsen asthma symptoms.

Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2)Good

52.2 µg/m³

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

Sulfur Dioxide (SO2)Good

2.1 µg/m³

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

Carbon Monoxide (CO)Good

149 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

65°F

Overcast

Humidity

85%

Wind

5 mph NNW

Feels Like

65°F

Pressure

1014 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.

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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