If you woke up this morning in the River City and immediately reached for the tissues, you aren't alone. It’s mid-January. It’s supposed to be freezing. Yet, for many of us living between the Fan and the West End, that familiar, scratchy sensation in the back of the throat is already making a guest appearance.
Richmond is notorious. We aren’t just "bad" for allergies; we are consistently ranked in the top 10 most challenging cities for allergy sufferers in the United States by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA). Some years we even take the dubious crown of being number one.
The pollen count today in Richmond VA is sitting in the extremely low range, which sounds like great news, but the air tells a different story for the sensitive.
What is actually in the air right now?
Honestly, January is a bit of a "limbo" month for RVA. Most people think they're safe until the yellow pine dust coats their cars in April.
That's a mistake.
Right now, the primary outdoor allergens aren't actually grasses or weeds. Those are dormant. Instead, we’re looking at early tree pollen and mold spores.
- Juniper and Cedar: These are the early bloomers. If we have a few days of unseasonably warm Virginia weather—which happens more often than not lately—these trees start pumping out pollen grains.
- Outdoor Mold: With Richmond’s humidity and the damp, decaying leaves still sitting in many gutters and yards, mold counts can spike even when the thermometer drops.
- Indoor Allergens: Because we’re spending 90% of our time inside with the heat cranked up, dust mites and pet dander are actually the bigger culprits for that "stuffy" feeling today.
The "False Spring" Effect in Richmond
It's 2026, and the trend of earlier blooms isn't slowing down. Local allergists at practices like Richmond Allergy & Asthma Specialists have been seeing patients earlier and earlier each year.
Basically, the "pollen season" doesn't have a hard start date anymore. It’s a sliding scale.
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When we get a "False Spring"—those weird 60-degree days in January—the trees get confused. They start their reproductive cycles. Even if the pollen count today in Richmond VA stays low in terms of grains per cubic meter, the sudden shift in temperature can cause "vasomotor rhinitis." This isn't a true allergy, but it’s your nose reacting to the changing air pressure and temperature. It feels exactly like a hay fever attack.
Why Richmond is an "Allergy Capital"
It isn't just one thing. It's a "perfect storm" of geography and biology.
First, we have an incredible variety of trees. Oak, Maple, Birch, and River Birch are everywhere. These are high-pollen producers. Second, we sit in a geographic bowl. Pollen gets trapped in the humidity of the James River valley and just sits there.
There's no breeze to blow it away to the coast; it just hangs over the city like a blanket.
The Dust and Dander Factor
Currently, while the tree pollen is hovering at nearly zero, dust and dander levels are very high. This is a classic Richmond winter trap. We seal our historic homes tight to keep out the chill, effectively trapping every bit of cat hair and dust mite excrement inside with us.
If you're sneezing today, look at your air filter before you blame the trees.
Real Steps for Relief Today
Don't wait for the "yellowing" of Richmond to start your regimen. If you’re feeling it now, you need to be proactive.
1. The "Shoes Off" Rule
Stop tracking the outside in. Even if you don't see yellow dust, there are fungal spores and microscopic particles on your soles. Leave them at the door.
2. Saltwater is your best friend
A simple saline nasal rinse (like a Neti pot or NeilMed) can physically wash the irritants out of your sinuses. It’s gross, but it works better than almost any pill for immediate relief. Just make sure you use distilled water.
3. Check the "RealFeel"
Wind is the enemy. On windy days in RVA, even low pollen counts can feel like high ones because the particles are being whipped directly into your face. If the wind is kicking up, keep the windows of your car and home shut.
4. Time your meds
Most people take an antihistamine when they start sneezing. That's too late. If you know you're a seasonal sufferer, specialists like Dr. Kelly von Elten have long recommended starting your nasal steroids (like Flonase or Nasacort) before the peak. These meds take days, sometimes weeks, to build up a protective barrier.
Looking Ahead: The February Surge
The current "favorable" outlook won't last. Traditionally, tree pollen in Richmond starts a slow climb in early to mid-February. Alder and Maple are usually the first to the party.
If you are one of the thousands of Richmonders who suffer every year, use this "extremely low" period to prep. Change your HVAC filters to a HEPA-rated version now. Clean your curtains.
Managing the pollen count today in Richmond VA is less about reacting to a number on a website and more about understanding how our specific local climate affects your body.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Check your home’s air filter; if it's gray, replace it with a MERV 11 or 13 filter.
- Start a daily saline rinse if you're experiencing "winter stuffiness."
- If your symptoms are year-round, schedule an appointment with a local allergist now before the spring rush hits in March and wait times double.