Almaty allergy season becomes critical as pollen levels surge

Almaty is grappling with an unprecedented allergy crisis, as pollen levels have surged to critical heights, leaving residents struggling with severe symptoms. Scientist Kaysar Tabynov described the situation as "critical," driven by the peak pollination of wormwood, high concentrations of ragweed, and other significant allergens.

Monitoring data from August 17 to 23 revealed a dramatic increase in wormwood pollen, reaching an "absolute record for the season" of 638 grains per cubic meter on August 21. This figure is nearly three times the critical threshold of 200 grains, causing significant distress for allergy sufferers. On the same day, ragweed registered 91 grains per cubic meter, and the Amaranthaceae family contributed another 83 grains.

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This is essentially the main reason why allergy sufferers are struggling so much right now: the air contains pollen from three major weed allergens blooming simultaneously.

Tabynov explained that the simultaneous blooming of these three major weed allergens is the primary reason for the current suffering. "This is essentially the main reason why allergy sufferers are struggling so much right now: the air contains pollen from three major weed allergens blooming simultaneously," he stated. The weekly average for wormwood was 269 grains per cubic meter, and 83 for ragweed, with these two accounting for 81% of all recorded pollen.

The scientist also warned that pollen concentrations are highest between 8:00 AM and 3:00 PM, advising residents to take precautions during these hours. While wormwood levels saw a dramatic weekly increase of 263%, they fluctuated, dropping significantly by Sunday. Despite these fluctuations, the overall pollen load remains a serious concern for Almaty's allergy sufferers.

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This is an absolute record for the season, nearly three times higher than the critical threshold of 200 grains per cubic meter.