Chicago pollen forecast - today, tomorrow and the week ahead

Today (16 July) pollen in Chicago is low; grass is low. Tomorrow (17 July 2026) levels are similar. Over the following five days grass will increase. Forecasts are calculated by Airmine using satellites to map local vegetation and determine pollen season onset.

For long term forecasts and maps, see the Airmine app

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Developed with support from the European Space Agency (ESA)’s Business Applications and Space Solutions (BASS) team

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Chicago's lakefront green corridor, including Lincoln Park and Grant Park, features oak, maple, and elm as the main tree pollen sources, with exposure varying between these lakeside green spaces and the densely built inland city centre. Lake Michigan onshore breezes can periodically disperse urban pollen, while surrounding Illinois farmland and the flat Midwest landscape contribute substantial grass and crop pollen under prevailing westerly winds.

Today - 16 July

  • Alder (Alnus):

    None

    0/100

  • Birch (Betula):

    None

    0/100

  • Hazel (Corylus):

    None

    0/100

  • Cypress (Cupressaceae):

    None

    0/100

  • Grass (Poaceae):

    Low

    25/100

  • Oak (Quercus):

    None

    0/100

  • Willow (Salicaceae):

    None

    0/100

  • Mugwort (Artemisia):

    None

    0/100

  • Ragweed (Ambrosia):

    None

    0/100

High pollen levels may trigger sneezing, itchy eyes, and congestion. Airmine's neighbourhood estimates use satellites to map local vegetation and a statistical prediction model, updated four times daily.

Tomorrow - 17 July

  • Alder (Alnus):

    None

    0/100

  • Birch (Betula):

    None

    0/100

  • Hazel (Corylus):

    None

    0/100

  • Cypress (Cupressaceae):

    None

    0/100

  • Grass (Poaceae):

    Low

    11/100

  • Oak (Quercus):

    None

    0/100

  • Willow (Salicaceae):

    None

    0/100

  • Mugwort (Artemisia):

    None

    0/100

  • Ragweed (Ambrosia):

    None

    0/100

Air quality in Chicago

View air quality

Pollen forecast for neighborhoods and landmarks in Chicago

360 Chicago Observatory Adler Planetarium Andersonville Art Institute of Chicago Bronzeville Cloud Gate (The Bean) Field Museum Garfield Park Conservatory Grant Park Humboldt Park Hyde Park Jackson Park Lincoln Park Lincoln Park Zoo Logan Square Millennium Park Navy Pier Obama Presidential Center Pilsen Riverwalk Shedd Aquarium The 606 Trail Wicker Park Willis Tower (Skydeck) Wrigley Field Wrigleyville

Sports venues in Chicago

Chicago Golf Club – Championship Course Medinah Country Club – Course No. 3 Shoreacres – Championship Course

Pollen and air quality along routes in Chicago

Chicago Marathon

Frequently Asked Questions

Is pollen high in Chicago right now?

On 16 July 2026, overall pollen levels in Chicago are low. Grass is the main contributor to airborne pollen

Will pollen levels change in Chicago tomorrow?

On 17 July 2026, pollen conditions in Chicago will be similar to today, with grass at low levels

Is pollen expected to decrease in Chicago this week?

According to the five-day outlook, grass and ambrosia pollen levels will increase later in the week.

Which pollen types are currently active in Chicago?

On 16 July 2026, Grass is the dominant pollen source in Chicago. cypress, oak, willow, alder, ambrosia, artemisia, and birch are not currently active.

When is pollen season in Chicago?
Chicago's pollen season opens with maple and elm from late February, followed by oak and birch through April and May. Grass pollen peaks through June and July, with ragweed contributing from August through September. Lake Michigan onshore breezes can periodically disperse pollen, while the flat, open Midwest landscape allows substantial farmland pollen to move into the city under prevailing westerly winds.
How often is the Chicago pollen forecast updated?

The Chicago pollen forecast is updated four times daily. See the timestamp below for the most recent update.

Does pollen in Chicago come from nearby or far away?

Studies show that most pollen exposure (often 70–90%) comes from nearby sources, such as local trees and vegetation. A good pollen forecast therefore depends on accurately representing local vegetation. Pollen can travel long distances, but this usually matters only early in the season or during specific wind events.

Are pollen levels in Chicago based on measurements or forecasts?

Pollen data is often misunderstood. Most "pollen levels" are not real-time measurements, but forecasts.

Direct pollen measurements are typically delayed by 1-2 days because they require manual analysis. To show current conditions in Chicago, modern forecasts combine recent measurements, weather data, and information about local vegetation.

This allows us to estimate pollen levels for today and the coming days, not just report the past.

Airmine’s atmospheric monitoring platform was developed with support from the European Space Agency (ESA)’s Business Applications and Space Solutions (BASS) team, using satellite and Earth observation technologies to improve emissions monitoring.

Want to see pollen forecasts for other cities in United States?

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Check pollen in other popular cities:

Rio de Janeiro Copenhagen Athens Denpasar Rome Cape Town Barcelona London Los Angeles New York

Data provided by Airmine — Last update: 16 July 2026 at 05:36 CEST (Data is updated four times daily.)

This page provides the latest public pollen forecast for Chicago.

For long term forecasts and maps, see the Airmine app

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