The start of dispersal of cedar pollen in central Tokyo approaches What is the “start date of pollen dispersion”?
January 31, 2024 16:53
Today, the 31st, the maximum temperature in central Tokyo rose to 14.1℃, which is similar to mid-March. As the weather warms up ahead of spring, pollen is a concern. Trace amounts of cedar pollen have been observed in Tokyo since early January. February starts tomorrow. It’s finally time for cedar pollen to start dispersing, but what does it mean?
Trace amounts of pollen observed in Tokyo
Today, the 31st, the highest temperature was above average nationwide, making it warm for this time of year.
The maximum temperature in central Tokyo rose to 14.1℃, the same level as mid-March.
The photo was taken in the afternoon of the 31st in Isogo Ward, Yokohama City, and you can see that pollen flower buds are growing smoothly on the cedar trees under the warm sunlight.
As the weather warms up ahead of spring, pollen is a concern. According to data from the Tokyo Metropolitan Health and Medical Care Bureau, trace amounts of cedar pollen have begun to be observed in many places in Tokyo since early January, and since January 4th, the cumulative value of cedar and cypress pollen per square centimeter has increased. , 3.1 pollen particles were observed in Ome City, 3.0 pollen particles in Hachioji City, and 0.6 pollen particles in Chiyoda Ward.
*Values are valid until January 22nd for Chiyoda, Suginami, Kita, and Ota, until January 24th for Katsushika, and until January 30th for Hachioji, Tama, Machida, Tachikawa, Fuchu, and Kodaira.
What is the start date of pollen scattering?
February starts tomorrow. The day when cedar pollen starts scattering is finally approaching.
The “start date of pollen dispersal” is not the date when cedar flowers bloom. After January, the first day on which one or more cedar pollen particles per square centimeter was observed for two consecutive days is considered the “pollen start date” for that observation point.
Even if one or more cedar pollen particles are observed per square centimeter, as shown in the above figure on the 3rd and 6th days of the start of pollen scattering, if they are not continuous, it does not mean that pollen dispersion has started. In this case, the 9th day, which is the first day of two consecutive observation days, will be the “dispersion start date.”
Therefore, even before the “pollen start date”, on days when the temperature is high, a small amount of pollen, less than one particle per square centimeter, may begin to fly. Sensitive people should be careful as even a small amount of pollen can cause symptoms.
Don’t let your guard down just because it’s before the pollen start date, and take precautions early.
Pollen starts flying earlier than usual
As temperatures continue to remain high, the start date of pollen dispersal will likely be the same as usual or slightly earlier than usual in many places.
From Kyushu to Kanto, the situation is similar to that of early to mid-February, and it would not be surprising if the start date of the outbreak is announced at any time from this weekend to next week.
In the Kanto region, pollen peak time is late February, but depending on temperature conditions, it could be as early as mid-February.
It’s less than last year, but “it’s about the same as usual.” Take early measures.
Last year in 2023, the amount of pollen scattered in Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo, as measured by the Japan Weather Association, was the third highest in the past 10 years.
The amount of pollen scattered this year in 2024 is expected to be lower than last year in most places from Kyushu to the southern Tohoku region, but when compared to previous years, it is expected to be about the same as usual or slightly higher than usual.
If you are experiencing symptoms of hay fever, it would be a good idea to take measures before the pollen starts dispersing, such as getting prescribed medicine early and wearing a mask or glasses to prevent pollen from entering.
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2024-01-31 07:53:55
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