France Places 30 Departments on High Allergy Alert Due to Early Pollen Surge

Unseasonably warm weather has triggered widespread pollen dispersal, with risks expected to rise nationwide in the coming days.

The Réseau National de Surveillance Aérobiologique (RNSA) has issued a red alert for 30 departments in southern and western France due to high levels of Cupressaceae pollen, including cypress and juniper.
Climate change and increased pollution are contributing to earlier and longer pollen seasons, intensifying allergy risks across the country.
Approximately one-third of French adults and 20% of children over nine years old suffer from pollen allergies, with cases quadrupling over the past 30 years.
Preventive measures such as rinsing hair, limiting outdoor activities, and using antihistamines or desensitization treatments are recommended for managing symptoms.
Meteorologists predict continued warm, sunny, and windy conditions, likely exacerbating pollen dispersion and allergy risks in the coming days.