Chicago pollen forecast - today, tomorrow and the week ahead
Today (9 August) pollen in Chicago is low; ragweed is low. Tomorrow (10 August 2026) levels are similar - ragweed increasing, grass at low levels, mugwort at medium levels. Over the following five days grass, mugwort, and ragweed will decrease. Forecasts are calculated by Airmine using satellites to map local vegetation and determine pollen season onset.
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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 - 9 August
-
Alder (Alnus):
None
0/100
-
Birch (Betula):
None
0/100
-
Hazel (Corylus):
None
0/100
-
Cypress (Cupressaceae):
None
0/100
-
Grass (Poaceae):
None
0/100
-
Willow (Salicaceae):
None
0/100
-
Mugwort (Artemisia):
None
0/100
-
Ragweed (Ambrosia):
Low
21/100
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 - 10 August
-
Alder (Alnus):
None
0/100
-
Birch (Betula):
None
0/100
-
Hazel (Corylus):
None
0/100
-
Cypress (Cupressaceae):
None
0/100
-
Grass (Poaceae):
Low
22/100
-
Willow (Salicaceae):
None
0/100
-
Mugwort (Artemisia):
Medium
28/100
-
Ragweed (Ambrosia):
High
54/100
Air quality in Chicago
View air qualityPollen forecast for neighborhoods and landmarks in Chicago
Sports venues in Chicago
Pollen and air quality along routes in Chicago
Frequently Asked Questions
Is pollen high in Chicago right now?
On 9 August 2026, overall pollen levels in Chicago are low. Ambrosia is the main contributor to airborne pollen
Will pollen levels change in Chicago tomorrow?
On 10 August 2026, pollen conditions in Chicago will be different from today, with grass at low levels, artemisia at medium levels and ambrosia increasing
Is pollen expected to decrease in Chicago this week?
According to the five-day outlook, grass, ambrosia, and artemisia pollen levels are expected to gradually decrease, suggesting improving conditions later in the week.
Which pollen types are currently active in Chicago?
On 9 August 2026, Ambrosia is the dominant pollen source in Chicago. grass, artemisia, and cypress are not currently active.
When is pollen season in Chicago?
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?
Check pollen in other popular cities:
Data provided by Airmine — Last update: 9 August 2026 at 20:27 CEST (Data is updated four times daily.)
This page provides the latest public pollen forecast for Chicago.
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Unless explicitly made clear, the content on this site has not been paid for by external organisations and is Airmine's sole responsibility.
Disclaimer: Forecasts are provided for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon as medical advice. Actual pollen and air quality conditions may vary from the forecast. If you have allergies, asthma, or another medical condition, consult a healthcare professional. Please see our Terms of Service for important information about limitations of liability.