Sneezes start early: Spanish pollen season extends by almost a month
Rising temperatures and unusual wind patterns across Spain combine to make spring sniffles worse than ever
If you’re one of those people who generally sneezes and snuffles through spring, this latest snippet of news is definitely going to have you reaching for the tissues. Even with Spain still battling unrelenting storms that have meteorologists scrambling for names, pollen season has already kicked in thanks to unusually warm temperatures.A recent study from the University of Córdoba, published in Agricultural and Forest Meteorology, confirms that Spain’s allergy season has stretched by around 25 days over the past four decades.
Using data collected from across Europe since the 1990s, scientists looked at pollen concentrations over time and discovered that the season is not only starting sooner but also ending later. For anyone with allergic rhinitis or asthma, that means more days of sniffles, itchy eyes and fatigue.
Trees like birch and many common grasses are causing many of the problems, flowering earlier than ever due to rising average temperatures. This means the air is loaded with pollen sooner in the year, prompting more antihistamine use and extra trips to the doctor.
Wind patterns also play a big role. Moderate, steady winds can keep pollen swirling in the air for days while calm, stable conditions can let pollen accumulate heavily in one spot. The study shows that these atmospheric factors can significantly amplify exposure, even in areas that might not usually see such intense pollen concentrations.
For many, this could translate into an unusually long season of sneezes and watery eyes.
Meteorologists warn that the combination of warmer winters and shifting wind patterns means allergy sufferers may have to prepare for an extended spring battle, well before the sun-soaked days arrive.
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Named after the Brazilian goddess of the sea, Café bar Yemanjá is located in the port of Cabo de Palos, a lively enclave with plenty of atmosphere and packed full of leisure activities, diving schools and shops.The lifelong dream of Magdalena, who is originally from Argentina, the bar aims to offer a refuge from the hustle and bustle of the marina, a relaxing hideaway where customers can try a range of tasty tapas and a wide variety of vegetarian and vegan delicacies.
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