There is little value in mapping allergy risk strictly to a few hotspots in Moscow, because allergenic plants appear throughout the city’s parks and natural areas. This was explained to Moscow residents by Azamat Kunafin, head of the Biodiversity Monitoring Department at the State Environmental Center. He emphasized that allergen pollen travels with air currents and can affect people far from the source, making a citywide risk profile more accurate than a selective map.
In his briefing for Moscow 24, Kunafin outlined the typical flowering timeline for the most common spring pollen sources. He noted that the first half of March brings a bloom from gray and black alder and hazel. In the second half, birch and willow start to release pollen, while April brings the pollen release from poplar, aspen, and maple. The pollen from these trees is a primary trigger for seasonal allergies among many residents, drifting through urban air and settling in outdoor and indoor spaces alike.
He explained that the pollen carried by air masses can move across the city, depending on weather patterns. Elevated pollen levels can occur regardless of a person’s location, which means allergy management should consider the broader environment rather than any single location. The timing of flowering can be influenced by local microclimates and urban factors. For instance, plants situated in highly heated, sunlit spots on building facades may begin to bloom earlier than their counterparts on shaded or cooler sides. Conversely, in forested areas or shaded courtyards, blooming can start later by several days or even a week due to cooler microclimates and reduced sunlight exposure.
Vladimir Bolibok, an allergist who has previously commented on this topic, stressed the importance for individuals with pollen sensitivity to track the flowering windows of these spring bloomers. He noted that early flowering often occurs when nightly temperatures stay at or just above freezing, which allows pollen release to begin sooner in the season. This information helps allergy sufferers anticipate peak pollen periods and plan preventative measures accordingly, such as timed outdoor activities, medication schedules, and indoor air quality controls during high pollen days.
As a practical takeaway, medical professionals advise people with seasonal allergies to stay informed about local pollen forecasts and to prepare before peak bloom periods. Practical steps include using high-efficiency air purifiers, keeping windows closed on windy days, washing clothing and hair after outdoor exposure, and consulting a clinician about appropriate antihistamines or other allergy therapies. By understanding the overlap between plant flowering times and daily routines, residents can minimize pollen exposure while maintaining outdoor activity and overall well-being. It is recommended to remain vigilant for changes in weather patterns that can alter pollen dispersal and duration of the allergy season, and to seek medical guidance when symptoms intensify or new symptoms appear.
In addition to clinical advice, there are commonly recommended products and strategies that may help manage spring allergies, ranging from air quality solutions to personal care items designed to reduce pollen contact. Individuals should consider integrating these tools with a physician’s guidance to create a comprehensive approach to allergy management during the pollen-heavy months.