Normally, allergy sufferers would be on the tail end of allergy season. But this year many in the Mankato area are still suffering from seasonal allergies.
The allergy season seems to be lasting a little longer than usual. Typically, the first freeze causes things like mold and pollen to die off, providing relief to those who have allergies. This year, however, people are still coming in with allergies related to dust, and other airborne particulates.
Our very dry conditions are likely to blame.
With a deficit of close to 20 inches thanks to the drought that started in August of 2011, top soil and dirt can be picked up easily by the wind. Without any rain or snow to settle the dust down, it remains easy for the dust to get kicked up.
Mark Frost, Pharmacist at Hy-Vee, says, "We generally have this cleansing effect with the snow and hopefully that will come soon and that will be the end of it for a lot of people who are pretty miserable right now."
Unfortunately, the forecast doesn't call for any rain or snow, so those with allergies will have to hold out just a little bit longer.
