Columbia pollen forecast - today, tomorrow and the week ahead

Today (16 July) pollen in Columbia is medium; grass is medium; ragweed is low. Tomorrow (17 July 2026) levels are similar - ragweed remains low, grass declining. Over the following five days ragweed will increase; grass will decrease. 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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Columbia's Howard County Maryland planned community setting features oak, tulip poplar, and maple as the main tree pollen sources, with exposure varying between the extensively wooded village neighborhoods surrounding Lake Kittamaqundi and the more built-up Columbia Town Center commercial corridor. The Middle Patuxent River corridor and the community's extensive green space network provide substantial local tree pollen throughout this planned Piedmont community between Baltimore and Washington.

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):

    Medium

    45/100

  • Oak (Quercus):

    None

    0/100

  • Willow (Salicaceae):

    None

    0/100

  • Mugwort (Artemisia):

    None

    0/100

  • Ragweed (Ambrosia):

    Low

    25/100

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

    22/100

  • Oak (Quercus):

    None

    0/100

  • Willow (Salicaceae):

    None

    0/100

  • Mugwort (Artemisia):

    None

    0/100

  • Ragweed (Ambrosia):

    Low

    3/100

Air quality in Columbia

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is pollen high in Columbia right now?

On 16 July 2026, overall pollen levels in Columbia are moderate. Grass is the main contributor to airborne pollen, while ambrosia remain at lower levels

Will pollen levels change in Columbia tomorrow?

On 17 July 2026, pollen conditions in Columbia will be different from today, with ambrosia at low levels and grass continuing to decline

Is pollen expected to decrease in Columbia this week?

According to the five-day outlook, grass pollen levels are expected to gradually decrease, while ambrosia pollen will increase, suggesting mixed conditions later in the week.

Which pollen types are currently active in Columbia?

On 16 July 2026, Grass is the dominant pollen source in Columbia. ambrosia are also present but at lower levels. cypress, oak, willow, alder, artemisia, and birch are not currently active.

When is pollen season in Columbia?
Columbia's pollen season in South Carolina opens with oak and pine from late January, producing intense tree pollen through February and March. Grass pollen follows through April and May, with ragweed extending the season into October. The Congaree and Saluda river valleys channel airflows and concentrate pollen, while surrounding South Carolina Midlands woodland and farmland contribute substantial tree and grass pollen throughout the extended humid subtropical season.
How often is the Columbia pollen forecast updated?

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

Does pollen in Columbia 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 Columbia 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 Columbia, 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.

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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 Columbia.

For long term forecasts and maps, see the Airmine app

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