Pollen in Knoxville: Recent Data on Pollen Activity in East Tennessee

Tuesday, October 7th, 2025

Pollen in Knoxville: Recent Data on Pollen Activity in East Tennessee

Fall is often thought of as the “off season” for allergies—but in East Tennessee, the story is more complex. Windy, dry days, residual ragweed, and mold spores can keep allergy sufferers on alert well into autumn. At Allergy Specialists of Knoxville, we stay tuned to the data—and we want you to, too.

Here’s what the latest pollen and allergen data suggest — and what you can do to stay ahead.

What the Recent Numbers Show

Current Pollen Levels

• According to IQAir, Knoxville’s pollen index is currently reported at “0,” meaning essentially no detectable pollen at this time of day.
• The Weather.com allergy forecast indicates “None” for tree pollen, Low for grass, and Moderate for ragweed in the near term.
• On The Weather Network, the pollen outlook for Knoxville (as of October 7) shows:
  • Trees: Very Low / Low
  • Grasses: Very Low / Low
  • Weeds (including ragweed): Moderate (3 on their scale)

These reports suggest that, as of now, overall pollen pressure is fairly low, especially for trees and grasses — but weed pollen (especially ragweed) is still present enough to affect sensitive individuals.

Seasonal Trends & What Changed

• Per Pollen.com, the official forecast indicates that “the pollen season in the area has completed,” meaning generation of new pollen is minimal until spring.
• Historically, Knoxville sees its most intense airborne pollen loads from late summer into early fall, primarily driven by ragweed.
• Local health sources note that dry, windy conditions tend to drive spikes in detectable pollen — while rainy or overcast days suppress pollen dispersal (Covenant Health).

So what’s changed? The shift from summer to fall usually brings a decline in tree and grass pollen, and ragweed becomes comparatively more dominant. But depending on weather patterns (wind, humidity, precipitation), occasional surges in weed pollen may still occur.

What This Means for Allergy Sufferers

• Lower overall pollen pressure is good news — many patients will experience relief in tree- and grass-related symptoms.
• Ragweed (weed) pollen remains a wildcard. Even when other pollens fall off, ragweed can linger and trigger reactions.
• Weather matters more than ever. On dry, windy days, even a low baseline pollen count can spike local exposures.

How to Use Pollen Data to Your Advantage

1. Check daily forecasts. Tools like IQAir and Weather.com can help you anticipate high-risk days.
2. Time outdoor exposure. Mid-morning to mid-afternoon is often when pollen levels peak; late evening or rainy periods may be safer.
3. Use protective measures. Even on low-pollen days, steps like keeping windows closed, using HEPA air filtration, and rinsing off after being outside can reduce your allergen load.
4. Track symptom trends vs. data. Keeping a diary of your symptoms against measured pollen levels can help your allergist refine your treatment.
5. Consult an allergist when symptoms persist. Especially if you have asthma or breathing sensitivities, persistent reactions even on “low pollen” days may indicate other allergens or require treatment adjustments.

If you’d like to dive deeper into what these numbers mean for your symptoms or adjust your treatment plan, the team at Allergy Specialists of Knoxville is ready to help. Visit our website to schedule an evaluation or learn more about our allergy testing and treatment services.