Despite the fact that winter is not yet over, France’s National Aerobiological Surveillance Network (Réseau National de Surveillance Aérobiologique, or RNSA) announced on Sunday that much of the country was on ‘red’ level for high pollen counts.

This is the highest pollen warning on a scale of one to four (white: no warning; green: low warning; yellow: medium warning; red high warning).

The départements at the ‘red’ level are primarily located in southern and south-western France, while the rest of the country was placed on the yellow warning.

Overall, 30 départements were listed on the red warning on Sunday, representing a significant increase from Thursday (February 13th) when there were just 10 red départements on the alert.

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People with pollen-related allergies have been warned to take extra care to rinse off after being exposed to pollen, as well as to air out living spaces for at least 10 minutes a day and limit outdoor sport activities.

Which types of plants?

According to the RNSA, the high pollen counts are due to early spring weather. 

“The risk of allergies are elevated from the south-west to south-east due to an increased presence of cupressaceae pollens (ex. cypress, juniper, etc)”, RNSA wrote.

The risk level was also at ‘medium’ for ash (frêne), alder (aulne) and hazel (noisetier) pollens.

“Hazelnuts and alders (in the Betulaceae family) are also in full bloom throughout the country, with an ‘medium’ risk level for allergy,” the group warned. This is expected to rise to a high level in the coming days, due to expected sunny, mild and windy weather in the coming week.

How can I check pollen levels for my area?

You can go onto the Pollens.fr website and consult the interactive map. You can also enter your département and see the pollen levels based on different types of plants and flowers.