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Real-time pollen data for Amarillo — updated daily.
Amarillo's tree pollen season is shaped by the Texas Panhandle's semiarid High Plains climate, which supports fewer tree species than eastern Texas but concentrates pollen from those that do thrive here. Juniper (cedar) trees begin releasing pollen as early as December, peaking between March and April — a slightly later peak than the Hill Country cedar fever season farther south. Elm trees are among the earliest spring pollinators, releasing pollen from January through April, with peaks in March. Cottonwood trees — common along creek channels, irrigation canals, and residential streets throughout Amarillo — produce heavy pollen loads from March through May, along with the distinctive cotton-like seed dispersal that blankets neighborhoods. Ash trees pollinate through most of spring and into early summer. Mulberry trees are heavy pollinators from mid-February through mid-April. Mesquite, which has been expanding northward into the Panhandle as winters become milder, adds allergenic pollen from April through June. The limited tree canopy compared to eastern Texas cities means individual trees can dominate the local pollen landscape for their neighborhoods.
Grass pollen is a major allergen in Amarillo, driven by both native shortgrass prairie species and introduced lawn grasses. Bermuda grass dominates residential lawns, parks, and commercial landscapes, with pollen peaking from May through July. Buffalo grass and blue grama — the native shortgrass prairie species that originally covered the High Plains — still produce pollen in remaining grasslands and undeveloped areas surrounding the city. Johnson grass grows aggressively along roadsides, fence lines, and agricultural margins. Cool-season grasses including Kentucky bluegrass, tall fescue, and ryegrass can begin spreading pollen during mild winter periods when temperatures rise above freezing, making Amarillo susceptible to early grass pollen as early as December or January in warm years. Zoysia grass lawns also contribute to summer pollen loads.
Ragweed is Amarillo's most significant fall allergen, with common ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia) and western ragweed thriving in the disturbed agricultural soils surrounding the city. Ragweed pollen is exceptionally lightweight and can travel hundreds of miles on the Panhandle's persistent winds, meaning pollen from agricultural areas far beyond the city limits reaches Amarillo residents. Russian thistle — the iconic tumbleweed of the American West — is both a physical nuisance and a potent allergen, releasing substantial pollen from late summer through fall. Pigweed (rough amaranth), sagebrush, lamb's quarters, and kochia round out the fall weed pollen burden. The vast agricultural lands surrounding Amarillo provide ideal habitat for these weed species, particularly in fallow fields and along irrigation infrastructure.
Dust is Amarillo's most distinctive allergen — and one that sets it apart from every other Texas city. The High Plains' flat terrain, persistent high winds (regularly exceeding 30 mph, with gusts to 80 mph during storm events), and semiarid climate combine to produce frequent dust storms and haboobs that reduce visibility below one mile and fill the air with fine particulate matter. Between 2000 and 2020, researchers documented 227 dust events in Amarillo alone. This airborne dust contains soil particles, agricultural residue, mold spores, and pollen fragments that trigger both allergic and non-allergic respiratory reactions. Indoor allergens including dust mites, mold, and pet dander are present year-round, though Amarillo's drier climate (averaging only 20 inches of annual rainfall) means dust mites are somewhat less prevalent than in humid eastern Texas cities.
Severity: Low to Moderate. Juniper (cedar) trees begin releasing pollen as early as December, with counts building through February. Elm pollen can start in January during mild winters. Cool-season grasses like Kentucky bluegrass and tall fescue may release pollen during warm spells. Winter cold fronts generate dust events when winds scour dry agricultural fields. Indoor allergens intensify as homes are sealed against cold Panhandle winds. The drier winter air can irritate airways independently, making residents more susceptible to allergen triggers.
Severity: Severe. This is Amarillo's worst allergy period, combining peak tree pollen with the year's most frequent dust storms. Juniper, elm, cottonwood, ash, mulberry, and mesquite pollinate in overlapping waves. Spring is the Panhandle's windiest season, with frequent dust storms and occasional haboobs that fill the air with fine particulates, soil particles, and fragmented pollen grains. Bermuda grass pollen begins overlapping with tree pollen by late April. The combination of biological allergens (pollen, mold) and mineral particulates (dust) creates a dual respiratory burden unique to High Plains cities.
Severity: Moderate to High. Bermuda, Johnson, and buffalo grass pollen peak in June and July. Summer heat bakes exposed soil, making it vulnerable to wind erosion. Agricultural activity — harvesting wheat and other crops — generates grain dust that adds to airborne particulate loads. Mold spores can increase after summer thunderstorms, which are often severe and accompanied by dramatic temperature drops. Ragweed begins its emergence in August, overlapping with late grass pollen. Evening thunderstorms can cause "thunderstorm asthma" when downdrafts fragment pollen grains into smaller particles.
Severity: High. Ragweed pollen dominates from late August through October, with the Panhandle's persistent winds carrying pollen from vast agricultural areas surrounding the city. Russian thistle (tumbleweed) releases substantial pollen as plants dry and break free to scatter across the landscape. Pigweed, sagebrush, and kochia add to weed pollen counts. Fall cold fronts can generate significant dust events as they race across the plains. The first hard freeze — typically arriving in late October to mid-November — suppresses weed pollen but does not eliminate dust storm risk. By late November, juniper trees begin preparing for winter pollination.
Amarillo averages roughly 11 dust events per year, with spring being the worst season. When the National Weather Service issues a dust advisory or high wind warning, seal your home by closing all windows, switching HVAC to recirculate mode, and placing damp towels at door thresholds if you notice dust infiltration. Keep a stock of N95 masks for outdoor use during dust events — standard cloth masks do not filter the fine particulate matter in Panhandle dust storms. After a dust event passes, wait at least 30 minutes before opening windows to allow airborne particles to settle.
Standard HVAC filters are insufficient for Amarillo's dust load. Upgrade to MERV 13 or higher filters and change them monthly during spring dust storm season (March–May). A standalone HEPA air purifier in your bedroom can significantly reduce overnight exposure to both dust particulates and pollen. The investment pays off year-round — Amarillo's persistent winds mean some level of airborne particulate is present almost daily, even when formal dust events aren't occurring.
In Amarillo, wind speed is as important as pollen counts for predicting allergy severity. Calm days with moderate pollen counts may be more comfortable than low-pollen days with 40+ mph winds, because wind lifts dust, fragments pollen grains, and carries allergens from agricultural areas surrounding the city. Check both pollen forecasts and wind advisories before planning outdoor activities. The calmest periods are typically early morning before surface heating generates afternoon winds.
Amarillo's combination of dust and pollen means that outdoor exposure coats your skin, hair, and clothing with allergens more heavily than in most cities. Shower and change clothes immediately after outdoor activities — especially after yard work, hiking at Palo Duro Canyon, or any time spent outside during windy conditions. Leave shoes at the door to prevent tracking dust and pollen throughout your home. Wash outdoor pets more frequently during spring and fall to reduce dander and pollen transfer.
Tumbleweeds rolling across Panhandle roads are more than a nuisance — Russian thistle is a significant allergen that releases pollen from late summer through fall. If tumbleweeds accumulate against fences, buildings, or vehicles on your property, remove them while wearing a mask to avoid concentrated pollen exposure. Russian thistle allergy is often underdiagnosed because many people don't realize this iconic Western plant is a potent allergen trigger.
Amarillo's overlapping allergen cycles — juniper in winter, trees and dust in spring, grass and agricultural dust in summer, ragweed and Russian thistle in fall — combined with persistent dust exposure mean many residents need more than seasonal antihistamines. HeyAllergy's board-certified allergists provide telehealth consultations for Texas residents, with allergy blood testing to identify your specific triggers. Customized HeyPak sublingual immunotherapy drops can treat the root cause of pollen allergies from your Amarillo home, reducing dependence on daily medications over time.
March through May is typically the most challenging period, when peak tree pollen coincides with Amarillo's windiest season and most frequent dust storms. However, ragweed and Russian thistle make September through October nearly as difficult. Dust events can worsen symptoms in any month, making Amarillo's allergy challenges more persistent than in most Texas cities.
Amarillo sits on the flat, treeless High Plains at 3,600 feet elevation with nothing to slow wind speeds that regularly exceed 30 mph and can reach 80 mph during storm events. This wind scours dry soil from surrounding agricultural lands, creating dust storms and haboobs that fill the air with fine particulates, mold spores, and pollen fragments. Between 2000 and 2020, researchers documented 227 dust events in Amarillo — averaging over 11 per year.
The dominant allergens include juniper/cedar (winter-spring), elm, cottonwood, ash, and mulberry (spring), Bermuda and Johnson grass (summer), ragweed and Russian thistle (fall), plus airborne dust particulates that are present year-round. Mold spores, dust mites, and pet dander are common indoor allergens throughout the year.
Yes. HeyAllergy provides telemedicine appointments with board-certified allergists licensed in Texas. Book a virtual consultation, have allergy blood tests ordered, and receive a personalized treatment plan — including HeyPak sublingual immunotherapy drops — all without visiting a clinic. No referral or waitlist required.
HeyAllergy accepts Medicare and most major PPO health plans, including United Healthcare, Anthem Blue Cross, Blue Shield, Cigna, Aetna, Humana, Oscar, and Tricare. Contact your insurance provider with Tax ID: 85-0834175 to confirm your telemedicine coverage for allergy care.
HeyPak sublingual immunotherapy drops are customized to your specific allergen triggers based on blood test results. The drops contain tiny amounts of the allergens causing your symptoms — such as juniper pollen, Bermuda grass, or ragweed — and are placed under your tongue daily. Over time, your immune system builds tolerance, reducing allergic reactions. Most patients notice improvement within 3–6 months, with 3–5 years of treatment recommended for lasting relief.
It's a mixed picture. Amarillo's semiarid climate (only 20 inches of annual rainfall) means dust mites and mold are less prevalent than in humid cities like Houston. However, the dry conditions create a different problem — airborne dust and soil particulates that irritate airways and compound pollen allergy symptoms. The persistent High Plains wind also disperses pollen over vast distances, bringing agricultural allergens from surrounding farmland into the city.
HeyAllergy offers fast scheduling with no waitlist. You can typically book a telemedicine appointment with a board-certified allergist within days. The entire process — from virtual consultation to allergy blood test to receiving your customized HeyPak allergy drops at your door — is designed for convenience so Amarillo residents can start treatment without traveling to a distant specialist.
Amarillo occupies a unique position in the Texas allergy landscape. Sitting at 3,600 feet elevation on the southern High Plains of the Texas Panhandle, it faces allergy challenges that are fundamentally different from the humid coastal cities of Houston and Tampa or the urban pollen traps of Dallas and San Antonio. Where other cities contend primarily with pollen and mold, Amarillo adds a third dimension: airborne dust and mineral particulates driven by some of the most powerful winds in the continental United States across terrain with almost nothing to slow them down.
Amarillo's defining environmental feature is wind. The city sits on flat, largely treeless plains where the terrain offers no natural barriers to airflow. Wind speeds regularly exceed 30 mph, and storm-related gusts have been recorded approaching 80 mph. This persistent wind has two major effects on allergy sufferers. First, it disperses pollen from surrounding agricultural lands — cotton fields, wheat farms, and cattle ranches — carrying allergens into the city from dozens of miles away. Second, and more uniquely, it scours dry topsoil from the landscape, creating dust storms and haboobs that fill the air with fine mineral particulates, fungal spores, and fragmented pollen grains. Between 2000 and 2020, researchers documented 227 distinct dust events in Amarillo, and the actual number of dusty days is far higher when counting less severe episodes that don't meet formal dust storm criteria.
Amarillo sits at the epicenter of what was the Dust Bowl during the 1930s — one of the worst environmental disasters in American history. In 1935, Amarillo endured 908 hours of dust storms in a single year, and the longest single dust event on record lasted 28 consecutive days. The famous "Black Sunday" storm of April 14, 1935 struck Amarillo at 7:20 PM, turning day into the darkest night. While modern agricultural practices — including soil conservation programs, irrigation from the Ogallala Aquifer, and crop rotation — have dramatically reduced the severity of dust events compared to the 1930s, the fundamental geography remains unchanged. The flat terrain, semiarid climate, and persistent winds ensure that dust storms continue to be a regular part of life in the Panhandle. During drought years, the frequency and severity of dust events increases significantly, echoing the conditions that created the original Dust Bowl.
Amarillo receives only about 20 inches of annual rainfall — roughly half what Dallas or Houston receives — creating a semiarid climate that shapes the local allergen profile in important ways. The limited moisture means fewer tree species thrive here compared to eastern Texas, but those that do — particularly juniper, elm, cottonwood, and mesquite — can dominate the local pollen landscape because there are fewer competing species to dilute their contribution. The native shortgrass prairie ecosystem, dominated by buffalo grass and blue grama, evolved to survive drought conditions and is fundamentally different from the Blackland Prairie tallgrass ecology of the DFW area. However, the introduction of irrigated agriculture and residential landscaping has added water-dependent species like Bermuda grass and ornamental trees that would not naturally survive on the High Plains, creating an artificial allergen environment layered on top of the natural one.
Amarillo is surrounded by some of the most productive agricultural land in Texas, including extensive wheat, cotton, and sorghum operations irrigated by the Ogallala Aquifer. These agricultural activities generate allergens that urban residents in other cities never encounter. Wheat harvest creates grain dust that adds to airborne particulate loads during summer. Cotton ginning in fall releases fine fibers. And the vast acreage of agricultural land provides ideal habitat for ragweed, Russian thistle, pigweed, and other weed species that produce prodigious quantities of pollen carried into the city on prevailing winds. The agricultural landscape means Amarillo residents are exposed to a broader range of biological and mineral allergens than residents of comparable-sized cities in non-agricultural regions.
Palo Duro Canyon State Park — the second-largest canyon in the United States — lies just 25 miles south of Amarillo and is the region's premier outdoor recreation destination. The canyon's sheltered microclimate supports a wider diversity of plant species than the exposed plains above, including juniper, cottonwood, mesquite, and various grasses that produce pollen in concentrated quantities within the canyon's walls. The elevation change from rim to floor (over 800 feet) creates temperature and humidity gradients that can trap pollen and dust within the canyon during calm conditions. Hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders visiting the canyon should be prepared for concentrated allergen exposure, particularly during spring tree pollen season.
For Amarillo residents dealing with the unique combination of pollen allergies and dust-related respiratory irritation, professional allergy evaluation is essential for distinguishing between allergic and non-allergic triggers and developing an effective treatment strategy. HeyAllergy offers telemedicine consultations with board-certified allergists licensed in Texas, providing Panhandle residents with specialist access that might otherwise require a long drive to Lubbock or Dallas. After an allergy blood test identifies your specific triggers — whether juniper, Bermuda grass, ragweed, Russian thistle, or dust mites — HeyAllergy's physicians can prescribe customized HeyPak sublingual immunotherapy drops that treat the root cause of your allergies from the comfort of your Amarillo home. Starting at $47 per month, HeyPak drops are delivered to your doorstep, with most patients noticing symptom improvement within 3–6 months of starting treatment.
