Durham pollen forecast - today, tomorrow and the week ahead

Today (16 July) pollen in Durham is medium; grass is medium; ragweed is low. Tomorrow (17 July 2026) levels are similar. Over the following five days grass and ragweed 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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Durham's parks, including Eno River State Park and the Ellerbe Creek corridor, feature oak, pine, and sweet gum as the main tree pollen sources, with exposure varying between these green areas and the more built-up city centre. Surrounding North Carolina Piedmont woodland and farmland contribute substantial tree and grass pollen, with the humid subtropical setting supporting an extended and intense pollen season.

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

    30/100

  • Oak (Quercus):

    None

    0/100

  • Willow (Salicaceae):

    None

    0/100

  • Mugwort (Artemisia):

    None

    0/100

  • Ragweed (Ambrosia):

    Low

    22/100

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):

    Medium

    26/100

  • Oak (Quercus):

    None

    0/100

  • Willow (Salicaceae):

    None

    0/100

  • Mugwort (Artemisia):

    None

    0/100

  • Ragweed (Ambrosia):

    Low

    19/100

Air quality in Durham

View air quality

Pollen forecast for neighborhoods and landmarks in Durham

Duke Lemur Center

Sports venues in Durham

Old Chatham Golf & Country Club

Frequently Asked Questions

Is pollen high in Durham right now?

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

Will pollen levels change in Durham tomorrow?

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

Is pollen expected to decrease in Durham this week?

According to the five-day outlook, ambrosia and grass pollen levels are expected to gradually decrease, suggesting improving conditions later in the week.

Which pollen types are currently active in Durham?

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

When is pollen season in Durham?
Durham's pollen season opens with oak and pine from late February, producing intense tree pollen through March and April. Grass pollen follows through May and June, with ragweed extending the season into October. The humid subtropical setting and abundant North Carolina Piedmont woodland support an extended and intense pollen season, while surrounding farmland contributes additional grass pollen under prevailing southwesterly winds.
How often is the Durham pollen forecast updated?

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

Does pollen in Durham 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 Durham 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 Durham, 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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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 Durham.

For long term forecasts and maps, see the Airmine app

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