McLean pollen forecast - today, tomorrow and the week ahead

Today (16 July) pollen in McLean is low; grass and ragweed are low. Tomorrow (17 July 2026) levels are similar. Over the following five days grass and ragweed 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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McLean's Fairfax County Virginia affluent suburban setting features oak, tulip poplar, and maple as the main tree pollen sources, with one of the most extensive residential tree canopies in the Washington DC metropolitan area. Exposure varies between the densely wooded neighborhoods near the Potomac River corridor and the more built-up commercial areas along Chain Bridge Road, while the Great Falls Park woodland contributes particularly significant regional tree pollen throughout spring.

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

    12/100

  • Oak (Quercus):

    None

    0/100

  • Willow (Salicaceae):

    None

    0/100

  • Mugwort (Artemisia):

    None

    0/100

  • Ragweed (Ambrosia):

    Low

    3/100

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):

    None

    0/100

  • Oak (Quercus):

    None

    0/100

  • Willow (Salicaceae):

    None

    0/100

  • Mugwort (Artemisia):

    None

    0/100

  • Ragweed (Ambrosia):

    None

    0/100

Air quality in McLean

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is pollen high in McLean right now?

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

Will pollen levels change in McLean tomorrow?

On 17 July 2026, pollen conditions in McLean will be similar to today with no significant pollen expected.

Is pollen expected to decrease in McLean 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 McLean?

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

When is pollen season in McLean?
McLean's Northern Virginia suburban setting produces a season opening in late February with cedar and elm before oak peaks through April. Grass from surrounding Virginia and Maryland farmland peaks through May and June before mugwort and nettle extend exposure into September. The Potomac River corridor channels airflows, while the warm mid-Atlantic climate and the Washington DC urban heat island advance the season slightly throughout.
How often is the McLean pollen forecast updated?

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

Does pollen in McLean 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 McLean 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 McLean, 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 10:33 CEST (Data is updated four times daily.)

This page provides the latest public pollen forecast for McLean.

For long term forecasts and maps, see the Airmine app

Download on the App Store Get it on Google Play

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