Dr. Aaron Donnell
Chicago Family Asthma & Allergy
Chicago, IL · Lake Michigan and Chicagoland corridor
Chicago, IL Pollen Count Today
Chicago allergy risk is shaped by Lake Michigan wind, dense street trees, major parks, forest preserves, suburban lawns, prairie edges, Midwest fronts, grass pollen, and fall ragweed.
Today's pollen count in Chicago
Today in Chicago, Illinois, the forecasted pollen level is low with an allergy index of 2. The primary allergen is Ragweed. Use the forecast below to see whether conditions are likely to rise, ease, or stay steady over the next few days.
AllergyAva shows forecasted pollen levels and allergy risk estimates for Chicago. Actual exposure can vary by neighborhood, weather, and time outdoors.
Pollen Level
Low Risk2
Google UPI (0–5)
Primary Allergen
Ragweed
Air quality is good. Enjoy outdoor activities with minimal allergy concerns.
78°
Temp
49%
Humidity
10
Wind mph
Pollen: Includes data from Google Maps · Weather: AllergyAva estimated fallback
5-Day Pollen Forecast
Best day this week
Today - Low
Worst day this week
Wed - Low
Today
81°/59°
2
Low
Tree1
Grass0
Weed2
Tomorrow
81°/59°
2
Low
Tree1
Grass0
Weed2
Mon
81°/59°
2
Low
Tree1
Grass0
Weed2
Tue
81°/59°
2
Low
Tree1
Grass0
Weed2
Wed
81°/59°
2
Low
Tree1
Grass0
Weed2
None
Very Low
Low
Moderate
High
Very High
Allergen Breakdown
Ragweed
Low
Elm
Very Low
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Weather-allergy synergy
Why conditions feel this way today
Chicago's current low reading is mainly tied to ragweed. Conditions look most manageable when wind is lighter and outdoor exposure is shorter.
- Temp
- 78°F
- Humidity
- 49%
- Wind
- 10 mph
- Rain chance
- 9%
Experimental precipitation nowcast
Next 6 hours in Chicago
Rest of today — planning estimate
Better
Short outdoor plans are more reasonable today, especially away from active vegetation.
Avoid
Extended exposure near mowing, leaf litter, or heavy tree cover if those trigger symptoms.
Extra caution
Check tomorrow's trend before planning longer outdoor time.
Data Confidence & Sources
Pollen Forecast
- Source
- Includes data from Google Maps · Pollen API (1×1 km grid resolution)
- Last Daily Update
Pollen models recalculate once daily
Weather Conditions
- Source
- AllergyAva estimated weather fallback
- Last Refresh
Weather data updates every 15–30 minutes
Local pollen exposure can vary by micro-vegetation, wind gusts, structural barriers, and time spent outdoors.
Check pollen in another city or ZIP code
Local allergy care
Allergists near Chicago, IL
Use today's pollen forecast alongside nearby allergy and immunology profiles when symptoms need clinical follow-up, testing, or long-term treatment planning.
Dr. Anju Peters
Northwestern Medicine Allergy and Immunology
Dr. Anna Fishbein
Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago - Allergy & Immunology
Showing 3 of 25 published allergist profiles in this area.
City allergy guide
Chicago allergy profile
Today's risk+
Chicago's allergy pattern can shift quickly because Lake Michigan modifies temperature and wind near the lakefront while inland neighborhoods and suburbs warm differently. Spring tree pollen from maple, elm, cottonwood, oak, birch, and other trees often drives the first major symptoms.
Grass pollen rises across lawns, parks, athletic fields, and prairie edges from late spring into summer. Ragweed and other weeds become more important in late summer and fall, especially during warm, dry, breezy Midwest weather.
Chicago's guide sections below focus on recurring local exposure patterns. Today's low Ragweed reading is the live risk signal, while the seasonal and neighborhood notes explain where exposure can still differ during normal routines.
Seasonal guide+
December-February
Low outdoor pollen season
Freezes usually reduce outdoor pollen, but indoor dust, pets, damp basements, and freeze-thaw moisture can still irritate symptoms.
Late March-May
Spring tree pollen
Maple, elm, cottonwood, oak, birch, and other wind-pollinated trees can peak around parks, streets, and preserves.
May-July
Grass pollen season
Lawns, parks, athletic fields, road edges, and prairie areas can raise grass pollen during warm, dry stretches.
August-October
Ragweed and fall weeds
Ragweed is the main fall trigger and can remain relevant until repeated cold nights or a hard freeze.
Treatment and planning tips+
Lakefront plans
Check wind direction before long lakefront walks or runs; lake breeze can change exposure compared with inland neighborhoods.
Parks and fields
Use extra caution around parks, sports fields, preserves, and prairie edges during tree, grass, or ragweed peaks.
Home air
Keep windows closed during high-pollen periods, especially when dry west winds or warm fronts move through.
Chicago seasonal pollen calendar
Low outdoor pollen season
December-February
Freezes usually reduce outdoor pollen, but indoor dust, pets, damp basements, and freeze-thaw moisture can still irritate symptoms.
Spring tree pollen
Late March-May
Maple, elm, cottonwood, oak, birch, and other wind-pollinated trees can peak around parks, streets, and preserves.
Grass pollen season
May-July
Lawns, parks, athletic fields, road edges, and prairie areas can raise grass pollen during warm, dry stretches.
Ragweed and fall weeds
August-October
Ragweed is the main fall trigger and can remain relevant until repeated cold nights or a hard freeze.
Common pollen triggers around Chicago
| Trigger | Typical season | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Tree pollen | Spring | Often drives early-season symptoms |
| Grass pollen | Late spring to summer | Can rise around lawns, parks, and open areas |
| Ragweed/weed pollen | Late summer to fall | Major fall allergy trigger |
| Mold spores | Varies | Often affected by moisture and decaying leaves |
Local exposure factors
Chicago's lakefront allergy factors
These local factors explain recurring exposure differences around Chicago; the current index, primary allergen, and weather cards above remain the canonical source for today's live reading.
Lake Michigan wind shifts
Lake breezes can cool the lakefront and change pollen movement, while west winds can carry inland pollen toward the city.
Street trees and older neighborhoods
Maple, elm, cottonwood, oak, birch, and other trees can raise spring exposure along residential streets and parkways.
Parks, fields, and preserves
Lincoln Park, lakefront parks, athletic fields, forest preserves, and prairie edges can add tree and grass exposure by season.
Midwest fronts and ragweed
Dry, breezy fronts can spread grass pollen, ragweed, dust, and plant debris across the metro quickly.
Frequently asked questions about pollen in Chicago
What is the pollen count in Chicago today?
Today in Chicago, Illinois, the pollen level is low with an allergy index of 2. The main allergen to watch is Ragweed.
Why can Chicago pollen differ from nearby suburbs?
Lake Michigan, wind direction, tree cover, parks, lawns, and preserves can separate Chicago's lakefront conditions from inland suburbs on the same day.
What months are worst for allergies in Chicago?
Late March through May is usually tree pollen season, May through July is grass pollen season, and August through October is the main ragweed and weed period.
Does Lake Michigan reduce Chicago pollen?
Sometimes. A lake breeze can cool and change air near the lakefront, but wind direction may also move pollen from inland vegetation or park areas into the city.
Is goldenrod the cause of Chicago fall allergies?
Goldenrod is often blamed because it blooms when symptoms flare, but ragweed is usually the bigger fall allergy trigger because its lightweight pollen travels easily in wind.